Gardner-Webb and Head Swim Coach Mike Blum Agree To Contract Extension
December 10, 2021 | Swimming
BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb University and head swim coach Mike Blum signed a contract extension on Friday afternoon.
Blum led the GWU men's team to the 2021 CCSA Conference Championship in February and was named Co-Coach of the Year for his efforts. Blum led the combined GWU squads to 24 CCSA All-Conference finishes, including 22 individuals.
"Since his arrival at Gardner-Webb in 2019, Coach Blum has brought new energy and elevated ambition to our men's and women's swimming programs," said Gardner-Webb president Dr. William Downs. "He's led the effort to improve our facilities and to ramp up recruitment of championship-caliber student-athletes. He's not only recruited champions, he's won a championship, and we're so proud of that 2021 banner in Bost Pool!"
Blum, who is entering his third season in charge of both programs, led the men to a second-place finish in 2020.
"Mike and his coaching staff have worked tirelessly to develop a swim program that excels in the pool, the classroom and in the community," said VP for Athletics Chuck Burch. "He understands who we are institutionally and the swim program reflects these values in a successful way."
In addition to his current time at Gardner-Webb, Blum served the program as an assistant coach in 2011-2012. He also has experience as an assistant coach at North Carolina and as head coach at Florida Southern.
"I would like to thank Dr. Downs and Chuck Burch for this amazing opportunity to lead a wonderful group of student-athletes," said Blum. "My family and I love this community and the university, along with everything it stands for. I will continue to represent the university to the best of my ability and am thrilled to continue working to help our student-athletes perform at a championship level in the pool in the classroom."
Blum led the GWU men's team to the 2021 CCSA Conference Championship in February and was named Co-Coach of the Year for his efforts. Blum led the combined GWU squads to 24 CCSA All-Conference finishes, including 22 individuals.
"Since his arrival at Gardner-Webb in 2019, Coach Blum has brought new energy and elevated ambition to our men's and women's swimming programs," said Gardner-Webb president Dr. William Downs. "He's led the effort to improve our facilities and to ramp up recruitment of championship-caliber student-athletes. He's not only recruited champions, he's won a championship, and we're so proud of that 2021 banner in Bost Pool!"
Blum, who is entering his third season in charge of both programs, led the men to a second-place finish in 2020.
"Mike and his coaching staff have worked tirelessly to develop a swim program that excels in the pool, the classroom and in the community," said VP for Athletics Chuck Burch. "He understands who we are institutionally and the swim program reflects these values in a successful way."
In addition to his current time at Gardner-Webb, Blum served the program as an assistant coach in 2011-2012. He also has experience as an assistant coach at North Carolina and as head coach at Florida Southern.
"I would like to thank Dr. Downs and Chuck Burch for this amazing opportunity to lead a wonderful group of student-athletes," said Blum. "My family and I love this community and the university, along with everything it stands for. I will continue to represent the university to the best of my ability and am thrilled to continue working to help our student-athletes perform at a championship level in the pool in the classroom."
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