MEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING

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Bulls Add Two To Swimming and Diving Staff

Andy Bashor

"We are excited about both of these hires," said Bashor. "They fit a lot of our needs here and they will help this program grow."

Bell brings extensive experience with him to UB, having spent time on the coaching staffs at Miami (FL) and fellow MAC member, Ohio. At Ohio, Bell was an assistant for the joint men's and women's swimming program where he assisted in all facets of the program. This experience will help Bashor who took over the reigns of the men's and women's programs for the upcoming year after spending one season as just the women's coach.

Bell began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio after a stellar career at Clarion University where he was a 20-time NCAA Division II All-American.

"Aaron is very enthusiastic and he is a great recruiter," said Bashor. "He loves to get out on the road and watch young swimmers and he also brings experience working with elite college swimmers. His experiences at Miami and Ohio will help this program tremendously."

Tomes, who recently enrolled in the exercise science graduate program at UB, joins the Bulls after a swimming career at the University of Evansville and The Ohio State University. Tomes was an honorable mention Academic All-American and a Big Ten All-Academic Team selection during the 2005-06 season, while winning the Most Prestigious Swimmer Award for the Buckeyes. Tomes was also a two-time MVC All-Conference athlete while at Evansville.

"Michael's biggest asset is that he is coming here from a major conference," said Bashor. "I am looking for him to bring that attitude to this program and relate it to our swimmers. He has a great coaching mind and I also look for his graduate work in athletic training to help out our program as well."

Aaron and Michael now bring the swimming and diving staff to five as Courtney Kostival and diving coach, Karla Helder, remain on staff.

"I am very excited to have a five-person coaching staff for the upcoming year," said Bashor. "We have the tools in place to be competitive in this conference and now we need to go out and get it done."