Kirner steps down as Lawrence swim coach

APPLETON, Wis. -- Lawrence University men's and women's swimming coach Kurt Kirner has resigned, Director of Athletics Robert Beeman announced Tuesday.

Kirner, who has been the Vikings' coach since 1991, is moving to Hillsdale College, a NCAA Division II institution. He will be an assistant professor and coach the women's swim team.

"We want to wish Kurt all the best in his new endeavor," Beeman said. "Kurt has given many dedicated years of service to Lawrence, and he has made our swimming programs among the best in the conference."

Kirner took over for the late Gene Davis and kept the Vikings among the top teams in the Midwest Conference on a yearly basis. Kirner coached the men's team to league championships in 1996 and 2000. He was named the conference men's Coach of the Year in 1996 and again in 2006. He earned women's Coach of the Year honors in 2007.

Kirner coached more than 175 Midwest Conference champions during his 16 seasons at Lawrence. During Kirner's tenure, the Vikings also had three swimmers, Becky Wagenaar, Tracy Maschman, and Chas Mitchell, earn All-America honors. Maschman also was an Academic All-American, and 12-time individual Midwest Conference champion Daniel Hurley was a NCAA postgraduate scholar.

Lawrence plans to hire an interim coach for the 2007-08 season and conduct a national search for head coach in early 2008, Beeman said.

The Vikings open their season Oct. 27 with a meet at Boldt Natatorium.