VU adds swim teams

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Craig Bluell calls his new gig as Vanguard University swim coach, “a wonderful opportunity,” which is the same mentality for administrative leaders who are banking on two new sports teams for some help, as the school continues to find ways to maintain its accreditation.

Athletic Director Bob Wilson, in his 14th year at Vanguard, had his proposal of two new sports teams, men’s and women’s swimming, passed by Vanguard’s Board of Trustees. Now he can only hope the teams will add to the student body.

The Lions’ swim program will begin its inaugural season this fall, with the addition of a men’s and women’s water polo program scheduled for the fall of 2010.

“We’re facing financial struggles with the school,” Wilson said. “There’s an anticipation that we’re going to be down in student enrollment. By adding a sport there is the potential of adding 20-25 students, with that brings student tuition income. Rather than cut back, we found ways to increase the student body.”

Wilson said there was talk of eliminating sports teams, but that the discussion never became serious. Instead, Wilson and others discovered NAIA universities such as Concordia and Fresno Pacific increased its student enrollment by adding swim teams, Wilson said.

He also said Vanguard will not add a pool to its athletic facilities. Instead, the Lions will use the YMCA of Orange County, located in Newport Beach, as their home pool.

That’s actually how Bluell became aware of the coaching opening at Vanguard. Bluell, who has lived in Costa Mesa since 1971, has been the head swim coach at the YMCA of Orange County near the Back Bay since 2003.

When Vanguard came asking for a home pool, Bluell became interested in starting a new program.

“I think it’s very exciting,” Bluell said of being the coach of teams in their first year. “I’m really looking forward to putting the program together and getting it started.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that Vanguard has had barely enough revenue to cover its expenses and the school has battled financial struggles in the face of a debt more than $40 million.

Since the fall, Vanguard has tried to create new ways to eliminate the debt and maintain its accreditation after a report issued by the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges.

Since then, the school has appointed a new president, Carol Taylor, Vanguard’s first female president in its nearly 90-year history.

The association is expected to make a ruling on Vanguard’s accreditation in June.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at [email protected].