New diving coach aims to improve team

By Greg Conner
Staff Writer

Less than a week on the job and new Boilermaker diving coach Wenbo Chen is well on his way to taking the Purdue diving program to the top.

"I’m really excited that Wenbo is here," said Purdue women’s swimming coach Cathy Wright-Eger. "He brings a lot of national experience and wants to coach at the highest level."

Chen not only wants to coach at the highest level but has done so in the past as well. From 1985 to 1991, he helped coach the Chinese National Team, where his athletes went on to capture three Olympic gold medals, in addition to many other prestigious awards. In 1992 Chen immigrated to the United States and has been coaching the age group level, generally consisting of swimmers 19 years old or younger, for the Moss Creek Diving Club in Moultrie, Ga., for the past eight years.

Chen’s decision to come to Purdue was a combination of both the school's academic reputation and its brand-new, $17.1 million Boilermaker Aquatic Center.

"Purdue is a great school and we have a great facility," said Chen. "I think in three or four years we will have both Big Ten and NCAA champions coming out of this program."

Chen believes a big part of his vision will come as a result of the new facility.

"We have everything set first class," said Chen.

One great advantage Chen's team will have over most NCAA schools is the ability to practice platform diving, in addition to both one- and three-meter springboard diving.

"Our facility is great because it provides us with a consistent setting," said Chen.

While Chen is excited about the future of the Boilermaker diving program, he is also excited about this year's season and the talent he has inherited.

One athlete, in particular, that has caught Chen’s eye is senior Kara Hajek-Gustafson. After finishing fourth in the conference in the one-meter spring board competition last season, she has set her sights on capturing a Big Ten title this season.

"This season my goals are to finish first in the one-meter competition at Big Tens and to qualify for the NCAAs," said Hajek-Gustafson.

Getting his athletes competing at this type of high level is something Chen is ready for.

"I enjoy a challenge," said Chen. "I coached age group for about eight years and was very successful. Right now I’m trying another direction, another level, and hopefully I will be equally as successful here."

In addition to coaching, Chen enjoys playing the Asian board game Go, a mentally arduous game similar to chess, and spending time with his family. Chen has two daughters, Amy, 9, and Annie, 8 months old. Chen’s wife, Wenyin, was a professional ballerina in China and is hoping to assist the divers this year in their training.

One thing is for certain — if Chen is to be successful at Purdue, recruiting will be key. A good indicator of his possible future success is that even before his first day on the job, Purdue had been receiving calls from prospective divers interested in diving for him.

Chen will get his first chance to see his athletes in action tonight, as the women’s team will host Notre Dame at 6 p.m. in the Boilermaker Aquatic Center.

The Irish are undefeated so far this season and coming off a big win against Florida Atlantic. After sweeping 11 of the 13 events, Notre Dame’s confidence is high, but so is the Boilers'.

Wright-Eger said that since the opening of the new Boilermaker Aquatic Center, the Boilermakers seem to be swimming at a whole new level.

"It feels like the sky is the limit," said Wright-Eger. "It feels like someone has lifted the lid of the pan, and I think this is a good sign for great things to come for this program."

Illinois’ quarterback preps for Saturday’s game

New diving coach aims to improve team

SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 251

Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Doug Healey

To send a letter to the editor, please email sports@purdueexponent.org