Vanguard University

Coach Bluell joins the coaching staff to become the first head coach of the inaugural men's and women's swimming program at Vanguard University. Bluell was hired in the late spring of 2009 to begin the recruiting process and has been working diligently at filling the first men's and women's swimming roster in VU history.

With a passion for his sport and an enthusiasm to work with young people, Bluell takes on the VU challenge with years of swimming experience in his background. Serving as the Head Swimming Coach for the YMCA of Orange County for the past seven years, Bluell has also worked as an assistant swimming coach at the Riverside Swim Club, as a Multisport Coach for the City of Riverside, and for the Offshore Outrigger Canoe Club. Bluell's association with the YMCA will help facilitate the usage of the YMCA facilities for Lion swimming practices.

As an athlete, Bluell swam his freshman year for Arizona State University and his final three years he competed in swimming and water polo for UC Riverside. He graduated from UCR with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Minor in Community Recreation.

Coach Bluell can be reached by e-mail at: craig.bluell@vanguard.edu or by phone at (714)556-3610, extension 2385.