Lehigh University Athletics
New head coach; same fast swimmers
9/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
Lehigh Athletics has announced that John Morrison will serve as head coach of its highly successful swimming and diving program beginning October 15th. Morrison replaces eight-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Chris Marshall who recently accepted the position of Executive Director of the Alumni Association at Lehigh. Marshall led Lehigh to three Patriot League women’s titles and one men’s title in 12 years as head coach. "John is very aware of the current condition of our program as a strong one with a good staff," said Athletics Director Joe Sterrett. "He will make a smooth transition and a significant contribution to the continued success of swimming and diving at Lehigh." Morrison brings a very extensive and successful collegiate coaching resume to Lehigh. From 1998 to 1999 he served as an assistant coach for men and women at Rutgers. Prior to his stint at Rutgers, Morrison served as assistant coach for the Tennessee men’s swimming program that finished fourth at the NCAA Championships in 1998. While a member of the Vols staff, he coached 16 All-Americans, four United States record holders, and one world record holder. Morrison is not new to the Patriot League. Before coaching at Tennessee, he was an assistant coach with the women’s swimming program at Navy from 1993-97. During his four-year stay in Annapolis, the Midshipmen won four straight Patriot League Championships. Morrison began his coaching career in 1991 when he served as an assistant swimming and water polo coach at Washington and Lee University for three years. A four-year letter winner at North Carolina, Morrison earned a bachelor’s in Leisure Studies and Recreation Administration in 1992. He was voted the Unsung Hero during his sophomore season and led the Tar Heels to ACC Championships his junior and senior years. Morrison comes to Lehigh most recently from the Ocean County YMCA in Toms River, New Jersey where he served as head coach and Aquatic Facilities Director. While at the YMCA, he supervised the construction of a new $2.5 million aquatic facility and coached 17 athletes to YMCA National Championships. Morrison, his wife Amy, and their two year old son John currently reside in Toms River, New Jersey and will be relocating to the Lehigh Valley in the near future.
