Scott Blanchard, former assistant coach for the St. Thomas swim and dive teams, will take over as head coach, a position Tom Hodgson held for more than 30 years.
Blanchard said he hopes his experience with the swimmers and divers as assistant coach will help to carry on Tommie tradition. In an effort to expand on Hodgson’s three-decade legacy, Blanchard said he wants to see the team improve on a national level under his coaching. 
“I’m extremely ecstatic about being given the opportunity to take over for Tom,” Blanchard said. “We would like to continue with all of the great traditions that we have built into the team over the last several years. I’d also like to see this team become a team that is a powerhouse in the conference, and I’d also like to see the team move up the ranks at the national level.”
Swimmer Tommy Knutson said he thinks Blanchard is the right choice for the new head coach.
“I think the team is going to be very successful in the future, and I think he’s going to help to drive us in some directions that we haven’t gone before,” Knutson said.
Despite the plan of moving the team with high momentum, Blanchard said he won’t change much. He said recruiting new members is his main focus.
“Not a lot of things are going to change too much from what we were doing in the past,” Blanchard said. “Bringing in men and women of strength and character is important to us, and beyond that, I’m not planning on making too many major changes.”
Swimmer Anna Jeska said Blanchard’s high aspirations, recruiting efforts and relationship with the team make him a good choice.
“I love Scott. He has definitely helped me a lot the past few years, both in swimming, and he’s just an all-around great guy,” Jeska said. “He loves the team and is really passionate about his work.”
Blanchard said his connections with his past and present swimmers are essential to carrying on Tommie tradition. He hopes to do this by “utilizing the five captains that have been elected for next year and by keeping an open line of communication with everyone on the team.”
Knutson said that Blanchard’s past experience with the team will lead to successful communication.
“I think we kind of know how what he is going to expect from us and what we expect from him and there will be a better line of communication, and we’ll work better as a team,” said Knutson.
Excited to keep working with the team, Blanchard said he hopes to keep moving the program in a positive direction.
“I’m proud and honored to have worked with Tom Hodgson for the last three years,” Blanchard said. “I’m looking forward to continuing all the hard work we’ve put in to this point and helping to build the program.”