By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
May 25, 2001
For the first time in its 46-year history, the Meridian Swim Association has hired a full-time coach to help train members year round.
Christopher Engledow was officially introduced as the new head coach Thursday afternoon at Highland Park.
The MSA is an organization made up of almost 100 members of all ages that routinely competes in regional swimming meets.
Although Engledow is the organization's first full-time coach he said he doesn't believe that adds any additional pressure on him to have the organization perform well in its meets.
Faith Vaughn, president of the MSA Board, said Engledow's employment begins a whole new era of swimming in Meridian.
Engledow has been swimming since 1981. He was the captain of the Men's Swim Team while attending college at Northern Arizona University. He has been coaching since 1994 and has coached several National Age Group Top 16 Qualifiers.
Not only does the association get Engledow, but his wife, Nicole, will also be serving as an assistant coach. Nicole is also a critically acclaimed swimmer, qualifying for Senior Nationals in the 200 Meter Breast Stroke in 1997.
The announcement of the Engledows' hiring comes just one week before the MSA kicks off its promotional Try MSA Week. The summer program is designed to give children of all ages a chance to become members of the MSA. The program runs from May 28 to June 1 at Highland Park from 4-6 p.m.
For more information on the Meridian Swim Association call Ann Crowe at 483-2902/482-3757 or Faith Vaughn at 482-4057.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.