April 23, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State head swimming coach John Hargis announced on Friday the hiring Aaron Workman as new assistant swim coach. Workman comes from an established background including his most recent position as assistant swim coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh.
"As a head coach, you always keep [someone like Aaron] on your radar," said Hargis. "I've had my eye on Aaron for the last three years he's been at Pitt. He's recruited back-to-back top-25 classes. His sprinters have continued to compete well and continued to improve."
During his time at Pittsburgh, Workman was in charge of assisting in all aspects of team preparation, including practices and weight training. As the recruiting coordinator, he was able to sign two top-25 and honorable mention classes.
"A lot of what drew me here was the fact that Penn State is highly recognized nationally and definitely in Pennsylvania when you think of the top in-state program," said Workman. "I'm really interested in getting back onto a college campus and feeling what a college atmosphere has to offer."
For the past three years, Workman has also been involved with Team Pittsburgh Aquatics. While there, Workman organized all aspects of one of the largest meets in Allegheny Mountain Swimming and developed practice agendas for the competitors.
Before working at Pittsburgh, Workman held the same duties as assistant swim coach and recruiting coordinator at UNLV from 2005-2007. He helped coach his team to three straight Mountain West Conference championships while also recruiting the 18th best men's recruiting class in the country. Not only did his teams have a great athletic track record, but they also excelled out of the pool, consistently ranking in the top 20 academically in the nation.
"I'm an extremely enthusiastic coach," said Workman. "I bring a personality and an atmosphere that helps kids really enjoy success while helping them strive to do the best they can because they want to. I feel like I will add a lot to men's recruiting."
Workman's college work began early as he served as the assistant swim coach at Wittenberg University from 2003-2004 and the head coach at Hollins University from 2002-2003. At Wittenberg, Workman coached two NCAA All-Americans and a top 20 Division III team.
Not only has Workman succeeded as a coach, he was also a very successful swimmer at the University of Kentucky where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. Workman was a four-time All-American, four-time academic All-SEC performer and an academic All-American in 2001.
"I've known a lot of the [Penn State] staff for a long time and I really think we have some big things ahead of us," said Workman. "I'm excited to help them win a Big Ten Championship."
"[Aaaron has] helped take that [Pitt] program to the top of the Big East," said Hargis. "As a young guy, he's someone who has always intrigued me. We feel very lucky to have him."