Asbury Announces Keyser As New Swimming Coach
WILMORE, Ky. – Alex Keyser has been named the new head coach of the Asbury University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams as announced by Athletics Director Gary Kempf on Tuesday.
Keyser spent the 2010-11 season as the head coach of Malone University (Ohio), leading the team to NAIA Nationals in only their second year as a program. In only one year the Pioneers shattered 15 men’s and 18 women’s team records. Keyser led Malone to qualify for five women’s relays and had four women swim a combined eight individual events, and on the men’s side had two relay teams and two individuals qualify.
“First I want to say that I’m extremely excited to come back to an institution that is of great importance to me, having swam and coached here,” said Keyser. “I’m truly honored to take over for Dorothy and Gary Kempf, who have turned this program into one of great significance. I feel very blessed to be given this opportunity and am excited to get to work for Asbury University.”
“I would also like to thank (Athletic Director) Charlie Grimes and everyone else at Malone for providing me with a wonderful opportunity, and a great experience.”
“Alex Keyser is a great fit for Asbury and we are truly excited to have him back,” said Kempf. “His experience in the Asbury program and his time at Malone will give Asbury the greatest opportunity to transition and make it to the next level.”
Before coaching at Malone, Keyser was an assistant for the Eagles for two years starting in 2008. In his time with the program Asbury won two Appalachian Swim Conference women’s titles and one men’s championship, as well as a second place finish. He helped lead Asbury’s women to a 9th place finish at the NAIA National Championships in 2009 and an 8th place finish in 2010. He also led the men to 11th place finishes both years.
Keyser was a successful swimmer for the Eagles as well, transferring to Asbury after two years at Lincoln College (Ill.). In both his junior and senior years in 2007 and 2008 Keyser qualified for NAIA Nationals in the 200 fly, 500 free, and 1650 free events. He placed in the top 16 in both the 500 free and 1650 free events in 2007, and was an All-American as part of the 800 free relay team that finished 8th. At Lincoln, Keyser placed 9th in the 200 fly and was a top 16 finisher in the 500 free at the NJCAA National Championships.
Originally from the St. Louis area Keyser received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Leadership emphasis from Asbury in 2008. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Sport Science in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
