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General 4.12.2022 John Stark

Shrum Steps Down as Head Swimming & Diving Coach

TOWSON, Md. – After six seasons as the head coach of the Towson University men's and women's swimming and diving programs, Jake Shrum has stepped down from that role, accepting an assistant coaching position at the University of Virginia.

Shrum, a 2008 graduate from the University of Virginia, began his tenure at Towson as an assistant coach in May 2015 before he was elevated to the head coaching position in April 2016.

Assistant coach Matt Lowe, a distance record holder and 2015 Towson graduate, will be named Interim Head Coach. A search for Towson University's swimming and diving head coach will begin this month.

"I had an amazing seven years at Towson," said Shrum of his time with the Black & Gold. "I'm very thankful to have worked with fantastic staff and support staff over my tenure that have done everything they can to make our student-athletes' experience a memorable one. The alumni have been instrumental in our continued success with their support through various means.

"Most of all, I would like to thank all the student-athletes I have had the good fortune to coach, and get to know off the pool deck. They've made this experience fun and rewarding every step of the way. I look forward to continuing to support the swim and dive teams, and Towson athletics, from afar."

The 2021 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Men's Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year, Shrum guided both programs to high levels of success over the last six seasons, including the men's team capturing its first-ever CAA Championship in April 2021.

Over the last two seasons, Shrum has mentored CAA Swimmer of the Year Brian Benzing, who finished as an Honorable Mention All-American this spring in the 100-yard breaststroke, improving his program and CAA records in the event to reach the B Finals at the 2022 NCAA Men's Swimming & Diving Championships.

Under Shrum's watch, both programs have enjoyed success as the women's team finished third in each of the last five seasons under Shrum. Nine times a Tiger stood atop the women's podium at the CAA Championship meet, including three titles for Megan Cowan.

On the men's side, a Tiger finished first at the CAA Championships 22 times, including nine from All-American and Olympic hopeful Jack Saunderson. During the Tigers' 2021 run to the title, the Tigers dominated the relays, winning four of the five relays.

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Players Mentioned

Brian Benzing: Breast/IM/Free; 6' 2"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Brian Benzing
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: Breast/IM/Free