A few weeks ago, the Director of Athletics at Wisconsin River Falls University, Roger Ternes, emailed the team to notify them of a meeting on Monday, September 9th. In his memo, Ternes noted that since losing Ryan Hawke to the Hamline program, the team has spent 6 weeks searching for a new candidate. There were 2 potential candidates (unnamed, but one from Milwaukee and one from Apple Valley, Minnesota) who withdrew their names from consideration.

That came after the team was notified on August 12th that if the team could not find a head coach prior to the beginning of the academic year, that the program could be suspended for the “foreseeable future.”

Wisconsin River Falls AD, Roger Ternes, announced today that Mike Bollinger has accepted the position of Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach.

“Coach Bollinger brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position. We look forward to working with him throughout the year.” – Ternes

Prior to accepting this position with the Falcons, Bollinger has coached at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, Minn and has led several swimmers to school records and state championships. He has also been a USA Swimming club coach since 2002 with the Thunderbolts and BlueFin club teams.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the UWRF Athletics coaching staff,” said Bollinger. “I can’t wait to get started working with this group of student-athletes. The campus has been my academic home for the last two years, and I’m excited for it to be my home now for swimming & diving as well.”