Sept. 22, 2011

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Head coach Sean Schimmel has announced the elevation of John Pontz to associate head coach after serving three seasons as an assistant with the Maryland swimming and diving program.

Pontz has been instrumental in recruiting for the Terps, who have recorded top-25 finishes in the NCAA Championships in each of the last the two seasons on the women's side. Last season, Maryland secured an All-American finish with an eighth-place showing in the 200 free relay.

The Terps have also been successful in the classroom. The squad has been tabbed a CSCAA Scholar All-America team three straight seasons.

"John has been a pillar in the development and success of our program over the last three seasons," Schimmel said. "He raises the bar and challenges our student-athletes to reach new heights of success, not only in challenging their work ethic, but challenging them mentally in regards of their technical development. He has played a large role in our successes at the ACC and NCAA Championships."

Maryland officially opens its season against NC State on Oct. 21 at the Eppley Recreation Natatorium.