Paul DeAngelo Promoted To Scranton Head Swimming Coach

SCRANTON, Pa. - Toby Lovecchio, director of athletics at The University of Scranton, has announced the promotion of Paul DeAngelo from assistant men's and women's swim coach to head coach, effective immediately.

DeAngelo replaces Tomm Evans, who announced his retirement in March after a 17-year tenure on the Royal coaching staff, including the last 11 as head coach.  Evans led the Scranton women's program to 11 straight winning seasons and an overall record of 107-26 (.805), including a Middle Atlantic Conference title in 2004 and to the first Landmark Conference Swimming and Diving championship this past season.  His record with the men's program was 65-46 (.586).

"Paul was the obvious choice to lead our program," says Lovecchio.  "He has beena very loyal assistant coach throughout the years, clearly understands the recruiting process, and is deeply committed to the mission of the University and its athletics department.  In addition, he has a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.  I am very confident that the swimming programs will continue their tradition of excellence un the leadership and direction of Coach DeAngelo.

DeAngelo, a graduate of the Scranton Preparatory School and The University of Scranton, served as Evans' assistant for 11 seasons.  This duo worked with Sarah Gazdalski, a 1999 all-American and 11-time Middle Atlantic Conference individual champion, and 14 other swimmers who have gone on to win 32 Middle Atlantic and Landmark Conference individual titles.  This past season, three of their swimmers earned major awards at the Landmark Conference championships:  junior Erin O'Connor was named the conference's female swimmer of the year, junior Joseph Veselovsky was selected the co-recipient of the male swimmer of the year, and freshman Allison Sampson was voted the female rookie of the year.   For their efforts, Evans and DeAngelo were also named the conference's coaching staff of the year.

"It has been my honor and a privilege to be a part of the Royal swimming programs for so many years," says DeAngelo.  "Tomm (Evans) has been such an inspiration to all that he comes in contact with, including me.  He is by far the best coach I have ever had the pleasure of working with-a special friend and one whose wisdom I will dearly miss."

DeAngelo, who has competed in swimming on the district, state and national level, resides nearby with his wife Anna, son Paul and daughter Nicole.  He is a payroll supervisor and human resource manager for Linde Corporation, a local utility contractor.   He also coaches baseball in the off-season for the last 10 years, taking an all-star team to the state championships in 2007.