Feb. 26, 2003

Poughkeepsie, NY - Marist College Director of Athletics, Tim Murray, announced that Christine Honig will resign her position as head women's swim coach, effective, Monday, March 3rd. Honig will continue her duties as the head coach of the Red Foxes women's water polo team.

"I want to thank Christine for her commitment and enthusiasm on behalf of our swimming program," said Murray. "Her hard work and dedication has been an integral part of the success of our athletic program the last six years."

Honig has been the Red Foxes head coach for six seasons, taking over the reigns for the 1997-98 season. In that time she led the Marist women's swimming and diving teams to four Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships, a runner-up finish in 2001 and a third-place showing at last weekend's championship meet. Honig's teams have had success in the regular season as well, with the Red Foxes winning 20 dual meets in the past three seasons alone.

"This was a very difficult decision for me to make at this time," said Honig, "but the duties of coaching two Division I athletic programs; the recruiting, travel and practice schedules, is very demanding. I felt that being able to spend additional time with my family was important."

Murray also announced the restructuring of the Marist College men's and women's swimming and diving programs. Effective Monday, March 3rd, Larry Van Wagner, who is entering his 25th season with the Red Foxes, will assume the duties of head women's swim coach, while maintaining his responsibilities as head men's coach. Diving coach Melanie Bolstad, in her 12th season at Marist, has also been promoted to Associate Head Coach/Diving Coach.

"I believe this restructuring combines the strength of each of our swimming programs under one umbrella and ensures the continued success of both programs," said Murray.

The Marist swimming and diving programs wrap up the 2002-03 season at the ECAC Championships, February 28th through March 2nd at the University of Pittsburgh.