Briefs: Bluell steps down at Vanguard

Craig Bluell, who helped establish the swimming program at Vanguard University, has stepped down as coach of the men’s and women’s swimming teams after two years at the school.

Bluell, a former swimmer at Arizona State and UC Riverside, helped the men’s and women’s 200-yard freestyle relay teams qualify and compete at last year’s NAIA national swimming championships.

“We are extremely sorry to see Craig leave his role as our head swimming coach,” Vanguard Athletic Director Bob Wilson said in a press release. “He was our initial swimming coach and did a great job in beginning the swimming program at Vanguard. He was also a valuable member of our athletic staff and he will be missed.”

Vanguard announced that Ed Carrera, the men’s and women’s water polo coach, will lead the school’s aquatics program.

Carrera guided the Lions in their inaugural water polo seasons in 2010-11, going 10-28 with the men and 3-24 with the women’s team.

— From staff reports

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Robertson selected for polo tourney

Leah Robertson, a Newport Harbor High product, has been named to the United States women’s water polo roster for the upcoming World University Games in China.

Robertson, who also starred at the University of Michigan before graduating last year, will be on Team USA as it travels to Shenzhen, China for the international tournament Aug. 11 through 23.

The United States is in Group B along with Australia, France, Russia and Mexico, opening against Australia on Aug. 12.

Robertson, the CIF Division I Player of the Year in 2006, was a team captain and twice a third-team All-American at Michigan.

Robertson is one of three defenders listed on the Team USA roster.

— From staff reports