Chris Rhodes, Swimming Coach

Former Fighting Scot All-American Chris Rhodes was named Edinboro University’s head swimming coach this past October. Rhodes replaces Melanie Wirtner, who resigned earlier in the year.

Rhodes competed for Edinboro from 1991-95, earning All-American honors in 1993-94 and 1994-95 as a member of freestyle relay teams. He also earned All-PSAC honors and set a school record as a member of the 200 freestyle relay team. He was graduated from Edinboro in December 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

“I’m extremely excited and honored to be coming back to Edinboro,” related Rhodes. “Edinboro has given me a lot. I’m pleased to be able to give back to the school. ”

Rhodes began his coaching career as an assistant swimming coach at Titusville High School in 1996-97, then moved on to Ashland University, one of the top programs on the Division II level, as an assistant swimming coach while completing work on his Master’s Degree in Reading, which he received in August 1999. He returned to western Pennsylvania as the assistant swimming coach at Oil City Area High School for the 1999-2000 season. For the past year he served as the head coach of the Stroke Development Camp at Westminster College. In addition, he has been a Reading Specialist in the Oil City Area School District.

“We are very pleased that Chris is going to take over our swimming program,” added Director of Athletics Bruce Baumgartner. “He came highly-recommended and we feel is an up-and-coming young coach. We think he’ll be a nice addition to our coaching staff, and as an Edinboro graduate, fully appreciates our goals. I think he’ll be very well-received by the team members, and will bring out the best in our swim team members.”

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