Larry Simonov Named Head Swimming Coach at Hargrave Military Academy

CHATHAM, Virginia, June 14. LARRY Simonov, a former Olympic coach for the Soviet Union and current American citizen, has been hired by Hargrave Military Academy to head and further develop the Academy's aquatics programs.

Simonov comes to Hargrave after a stint at the Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA) in Raleigh, N.C. Simonov served with RSA for the past four years as a senior coach.

Prior to joining RSA, Simonov lived Thousand Oaks, Calif., where he owned Oaks Aquatics Academy and was the Aquatics Director and head swimming coach for Oaks Christian High School.

Furthermore, he has coached American USA Swimming senior qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers and World Championship qualifiers since coming to the States. Some of those American athletes include Blair Cross, Stephanie Glover and Julian Smith.

Simonov has coached multiple national age group USA Swimming Top 16 swimmers.

Prior to coaching in the States, Simonov was the head coach and administrator for the Soviet Union's national swimming program based at the Red Army Olympic Swimming Center in Kiev, Ukraine.

Simonov directed a program that included more than 3,000 athletes and support personnel. All levels, from beginner to Olympic athlete, were represented in his program. During his 11 years there, he trained Soviet athletes that medaled in both the Seoul and
Barcelona Games. His athletes earned a total of 16 Olympic medals and one world record.

"The hiring of Coach Simonov presents a unique opportunity for both Cadet and community competitive swimmers," said Col. Wheeler L. Baker, president of Hargrave. "Undoubtedly, he'll be a boon to our varsity and USA Swimming programs."

Simonov is married and has a 12 year old daughter. He replaces outgoing Ted Hartenstein.

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