Indiana Swimming and Diving Adds Cory Chitwood and Jonty Skinner to Staff

Indiana-third-
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Indiana University head swimming coach Ray Looze announced the hiring of Jonty Skinner and Cory Chitwood to the Hoosier swimming coaching staff on Monday. Skinner will serve as the Associate Head Sprint Coach for IU, while Chitwood will be an Assistant Coach for the Hoosiers. Both coaches will work the Indiana men’s and women’s teams.

Jonty Skinner

10-09-15 MWSD vs Auburn Jonty Skinner Photo by Amelia B. Barton

Photo Courtesy: Amelia B. Barton

Skinner comes to Bloomington from the University of Alabama, where he served as the Senior Associate Head Coach for the past seven seasons. One of the most respected coaches in the nation, Skinner has trained athletes for over 45 years. Skinner has coached an astounding 21 Olympic medalists, including 17 gold-medal winning athletes.

“Jonty Skinner is one of the most respected and accomplished sprint coaches in the world,” Looze said. “We are certainly humbled that Indiana could attract such a wise and successful coach. The fact that his athletes have 21 Olympic medals (17 gold) speaks for itself. One of his best attributes has been his ability to develop and teach. We will certainly rely on his experience as we continue to pursue national championships and Olympic success.”

Not only a presence on the collegiate swimming scene, Skinner also served as the Director of Performance Science and Technology at USA Swimming for nine years and as the head coach of the USA Swimming National Resident Team from 1994-2000.

During his own swimming career, Skinner captured four national titles to go with his NCAA title and five years as the world record holder in the 100m freestyle. In 1985 he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

“I am a huge fan of Doc Counsilman and it will be an honor to join the rich tradition that surrounds the Hoosier Swim & Dive program,” Skinner remarked. “I visited the program a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the energy and commitment that the athletes, coaches and administrators give to the program and it’s exciting to jump into the middle of that and get involved. There is no question that they have a commitment to be the best ever and being allowed to contribute to that team goal is an awesome opportunity.”

Cory Chitwood

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Chitwood arrives at Indiana from the University of Arizona, where he was an associate head coach for the Wildcats for the past two seasons. Chitwood was also served as an assistant coach at Virginia for four seasons and LSU for one season. He has also been a national team coach for six years, and was on the coaching staffs for the 2018 World Championships, 2017 World Championships and 2016 Team USA vs. Big Ten competition.

“Cory Chitwood is one of the great up-and-coming coaches in the United States,” Looze remarked. “I had the pleasure of recruiting Cory out of high school and then served on the 2017 USA World Championship coaching staff with him in Budapest. He has coached Olympic medalists and NCAA champions across numerous events. Most importantly he is exceptional at building relationships and taking care of his swimmers to the highest degree. Cory joins our staff at a critical time as we push toward Tokyo 2020.”

Chitwood was a standout swimmer for Arizona, earning 14 All-America honors and helping the Wildcats win the 2008 NCAA Championships. Chitwood was a three-time NCAA champion in the 200 backstroke and was a USA National Team member from 2011-12.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach at IU, Chitwood said. “The history of Indiana Swimming and Diving speaks for itself and I look forward to adding on to that prestigious legacy and getting back to my midwestern roots. I want to thank Coach Looze and Indiana University for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity.”

In 2018-19, the Indiana men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams won Big Ten Championships in the same season for the first time in program history. At the conference championships, IU combined to win 18 league swimming titles.

At the 2019 NCAA Championships, both teams earned top-10 finishes. The Hoosier men placed third overall for the second-straight season, while the IU women earned the team’s fifth-straight top-10, taking ninth overall. At the NCAA’s, the Indiana teams won a combined five swimming crowns.

— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Indiana Swimming and Diving. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.

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MK Mahoney
4 years ago

Good for Indiana and bad for Alabama to get Jonty. A great person and great coach

Nadine Waddell
Nadine Waddell
4 years ago
Reply to  MK Mahoney

So sad to have heard this news. What a wonderful coach you have been to our kids. They love and respect you and will most certainly miss you. God Bless and best of luck!!!!

Susan Green
4 years ago

Best of luck to you Jonty! We will miss you.

Lance Braughton
4 years ago

Indiana is getting one of the best coaches in Jonty!

Jillian
Jillian
4 years ago

I am happy to see that Swimming World attracts individuals who make positive comments.

Nadine Waddell
Nadine Waddell
4 years ago

So sad to have heard this news. What a wonderful coach you have been to our kids. They love and respect you and will most certainly miss you. God Bless and best of luck!!!!

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