Derick Roe has been named Ashland University's head men's and women's swimming and diving coach. Roe spent the past year as the interim head swimming and diving coach at Ohio University.
Roe spent two years at Ohio University, one as an assistant coach and one as the interim head coach. He also spent two years as an assistant swimming coach at Colgate and he's been a an assistant coach with the Ypsilanti Otters Swim Club in Ypsilanti, Mich., and Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Roe is a 2010 graduate of Eastern Michigan. He was a four-year letterman in the pool at EMU and was a two-time Mid-American Conference swimmer of the year. He is the program's record holder in the 50 freestyle, a two-time NCAA mid-major All-American and a two-time United States Olympic Trials participant.
"During the interview process, Derick distinguished himself with his vision for our program and his thoughts on developing the total student-athlete," said AU assistant athletic director Al King. "Our program has enjoyed great success with student-athletes who succeed academically and athletically. We believe Derick can continue that tradition and build upon the principles Paul Graham put in place.
"Derick told us that he's wanted to be a head swimming coach since he was a teenager," continued King. "He's done a phenomenal job getting a swimming education and he's had some excellent mentors along the way. I'm excited to have him join our staff."
As an assistant coach at Ohio University, Roe was the recruiting coordinator. He also created sprint water workouts and a weight training program. Last year, when he was named the interim head coach, he was responsible for overall management of the program. During his time with the Bobcats, six varsity and MAC records were established. Roe coached athletes who advanced to the NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014. Addy Ferguson was named first team all-conference and set the MAC record in the 100 backstroke.
In his first semester as the interim head coach, the program's team grade point average jumped from 3.09 to 3.25. Five OU swimmers were named to the 2013 College Swimming Coaches of America Scholar-Athlete honorable mention list.
Roe coached at Colgate from 2010-2012. He was involved in recruiting, setting the meet lineup and serving as the program's liaison with the compliance department. Roe was also involved in fundraising and in management of the team budget. During his time at Colgate, the women's team finished first and second at the Patriot League Championships. Colgate set 15 varsity records in his two years there and established two Patriot League records.
Thirty-three swimmers were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll during Roe's tenure and both the men's and women's team achieved the highest team grade point average in program history. Every semester he was at Colgate, the teams were recognized as Scholastic All-America teams.
The new AU head coach is originally from Sidney, Ohio.
Roe replaces Graham, who left Ashland after 14 seasons to become the head coach at Cleveland State. In 2013-14, the Eagles had 10 swimmers reach the NCAA Championships. The AU men placed 18th at nationals and the Ashland women were 20th.
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