The search for a new swimming team head coach is heating up while getting closer to the start of the swimming season.

The previous head coach, Kerri Buff, resigned on Aug. 13, and the search for a new coach took off from there.

Lesley Irvine, the senior associate athletic director, said there has been a lot of interest from all around to fill this position.

“We are trying to do this as quickly as we can, but also as thoroughly as we can and keep the well-being of our program at the forefront,” Irvine said. “There is an aspect of recruiting in this as well and we have been very excited in the interest shown for the program here.”

Since the season is right around the corner, the candidates will be on campus in the next few weeks and the list of candidates will be narrowed down until the University finds the right fit.

“Swimming is big in Ohio and we have a great athletic board and this will be great opportunity for the right candidate,” Irvine said. “We expect to make a decision here in the next two-three weeks and our hope is that the team doesn’t miss a beat when it happens.”

Mark Howard is currently the assistant swimming coach and he has had to assume the role of head coach during this period. He has been with the program for four years and handles the duties of recruiting and coordinating team travel arrangements.

“A couple weeks ago they brought in four candidates, including me. We had about an eight hour day of interviews, including a one-on-one meeting with the athletic director, Greg Christopher,” Howard said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to become a head coach of a Division I program and with my love for this school, athletic department, community and the girls on the team, I absolutely wanted to do anything in my power to become their head coach and to stay at the University.”

Since the swimming team already began practicing, the decision hasn’t affected the attitude or philosophy of the program.

“We are full go at this point, all the training is full go,” Howard said. “As long as we act like there is no coaching change and adapt to whatever comes our way, we will be fine for the start of the season.”

Even the swimmers are staying focused on the start of the season and are refusing to get caught up in the coaching vacancy.

Junior Amanda Rom, a swimming captain, expressed the team’s feelings toward the offseason change.

“We are just focusing on our first meet in the start of October and trying not to think about the coaching situation and just trying to get stronger,” Rom said. “There are many different coaching styles, but we will be able to adapt to any style and this might be a big change, but we are prepared for whatever happens.”