LOCK HAVEN, PA – Joel Blesh, a 2009 Lock Haven University graduate and a Lock Haven, Pa. native has been named the new head swimming coach at LHU.
Blesh is no stranger to the Lady Eagle swim program having served as a student-assistant coach for two seasons while attending LHU.
Since 2010, Blesh has been both the head swim coach for the Lock Haven area YMCA and Haven Area Aquatic Club, while also serving as the YMCA Aquatics Director.
Blesh could not be more excited to rejoin The Haven program and coach at his alma mater.
“I’m very excited to rejoin the LHU program,” said Blesh. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence, both in the pool and academically.”
In his recent capacities, Blesh has had huge success. He oversaw a major growth in the YMCA team and helped lead the program to new heights in the poll. Blesh coached a YMCA state champion and helped a pair of swimmers garner national top-10 marks. He guided 88 athletes to all-time top-five performances.
Blesh also serves as a coach and counselor at the prestigious University of Texas at Austin swim camps during the summer months.
He was a former standout swimmer for the Mercyhurst North East swim team, serving as the team captain from 2006-2007. Blesh was a 10-time NJCAA National Championship qualifier from 2005-2007 and a three-time honorable mention All-American.
LHU Interim Athletic Director, Peter Campbell also expressed his excitement for Blesh.
“Joel (Blesh) is very familiar with the program here at Lock Haven and I’m looking forward to seeing him take the team to new heights in the future,” said Campbell.
Blesh graduated from LHU Magna Cum Laude and earned his degree in Sports Administration. He’s current enrolled in Lock Haven’s Masters of Sport Science program.
Blesh is a registered USA Swimming Coach and a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor.
(EDITORS NOTE: Joel grew up less than a mile from my home here in Loganton. The entire Sugar Valley community is proud of Joel and his continued successes that he has obtained. Way to go Joel!)
