Brownell resigns, Richardson elevated to head swimming and diving coach

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College Athletic Director Haley Diringer has announced Rob Brownell has resigned from the head coach position, and Erik Richardson has been elevated from assistant coach to the head coach position for the Comet men's and women's swimming & diving programs. Brownell is leaving Olivet to pursue another coaching position.

"While I am sad to see Rob leave, I am thrilled for Erik taking over as the head coach," said Diringer. "Rob has done a great job at leading the swimming and diving programs the last five years. The student-athletes have excelled in and out of the pool. I have no doubt they will continue to do so under Erik's leadership."

Richardson came to Olivet in 2019 to serve as an assistant coach. He has helped Brownell with all facets of the program. Prior to joining Olivet's staff, Richardson coached at Liberty High School and Rocky Mountain Rapids club team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During his time, more than a dozen school records were broken.

Richardson graduated from the University of Evansville (Ind.) in December 2007. While there, he was a member of the swimming and diving team.

Richardson lives in Lansing with his wife, Heather. They are expecting their first child on August 2.

"I am excited at the opportunity to continue to build on the successes both inside and outside of the pool," said Richardson. "I hope to be a leader and mentor for the team as we work together towards their degree from Olivet."

Brownell took over head coaching duties in 2017. During his five seasons, the Comets achieved numerous new additions to the all-time top 10 performance list, including 11 school records. Olivet had five individual event winners at the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Championships. In the classroom, the Comets landed a spot on the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American team list in each of the 10 semesters during his tenure. In addition, more than 25 student-athletes combined to earn over 50 MIAA Academic Honor Roll citations.