May 23, 2012

Minnesota men's and women's associate head coach Bill Tramel has accepted the appointment of women's swimming and diving head coach at Marshall University, it was announced Wednesday.

"Bill has been ready for an opportunity to be a head coach, and Marshall is very lucky to have him," Minnesota men's and women's head coach Kelly Kremer said. "We are happy for Bill, and wish him and Marshall University the very best."

Tramel was a member of the Golden Gopher coaching staff for the last eight years, including seven with the men's team. He assisted in the Maroon and Gold's recruiting efforts and also established himself as one of the top collegiate distance coaches in the country.

Tramel has had at least one swimmer invited to the NCAA Championships in the 1650-yard freestyle in 14 of his last 15 years as an assistant coach. He has helped student-athletes accumulated 56 All-American selections during his career and was also the primary coach of Alex Wold, who was named to the U.S. National Team in 2009.

In his time with the Gopher men, he helped guide the squad to Big Ten Conference titles in 2005 and 2007. He also helped the men post 11th place finishes at the NCAA Championships in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 and a 10th place performance in 2007. In his lone season as an assistant with the women's team in 2012, Tramel helped guide the Gophers to the Big Ten Championship and an 11th place finish at the NCAA Championships.

-UM-