Wittenberg Natatorium Gets Improvements, Swimming & Diving Teams Add New Coaches

As Wittenberg’s men's and women's swimming and diving teams prepare for the 2025-26 season, exciting changes will welcome them.

Not only is there an entirely new coaching staff in place, but the University’s Natatorium, built in 1982 and officially opened in 1983 as part of a $7.1 million construction project that also included Pam Evans Smith Arena, recently received a facelift. The most significant improvement is a new filtration system installed in the pool, replacing the original system installed during the original construction in 1982.

“The new system is much more efficient, and it requires far fewer chemicals,” said Jay Owen, assistant director of athletics for internal operations. “The pool was also replastered and repainted. Stanley Steemer cleaned and disinfected the pool deck after all the work was completed.”

The Natatorium, conveniently located near Legends Lobby near the entrance to the Health, Wellness & Athletics (HWA) Complex, has direct, on-deck access to team locker rooms and integrated coaches’ offices, and it is only steps away from the training room. Spectators may access the viewing area from the Legends Lobby in the atrium of the HWA, where restroom and concession facilities are also available.

Together with six racquetball courts, which have been converted to golf training rooms and storage areas since 2010, the Natatorium and adjacent areas cover approximately 22,000 square feet. Three-hundred spectators can follow the action from a balcony that overlooks the 25 meter-by-25-yard pool and convertible diving well. Eight training lanes running east-to-west convert to six north-south competition lanes to open the diving area, which is equipped with a one-meter and a three-meter board in a depth of 13 feet.

“I absolutely love the facilities here at Witt,” said new interim head coach Gabe Rastatter, who took the reins less than a month ago. “I grew up in Springfield, so I know my way around campus a little bit, but I would say we easily have one of the best DIII pools in Ohio. The pool looks really nice with all the upgrades. The ability to change from short-course yards to short-course meters is something that not many pools can do, period. And having that open diving well available for warm up and cool down during the meet is incredibly beneficial for the athletes.”

The Natatorium, which features a top-of-the-line Colorado Timing System, electronic scoreboard and public address system, sees year-round use not only by the Tiger men's and women's swimming and diving teams and the Wittenberg community, but also by high schools and clubs for practices and competitions. The pool is a destination for local teams thanks to its cutting-edge systems and spacious accommodations.

Wittenberg's teams will open the 2025-26 season at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Hiram. The Tigers' first home meet is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, against Manchester.

New Coaches

Rastatter also has added two new assistants to the Tiger swimming and diving coaching staff. Trevor Keriazes will serve as assistant swim coach and aquatics director, and Mandy Eby will serve as a part-time diving coach.

Keriazes brings nearly two decades of competitive swimming experience to Wittenberg’s program. Over an 18-year swimming career, he competed at both the NCAA Division I and III levels, showcasing a deep commitment to the sport and a strong competitive spirit. He began his collegiate career at Ohio Northern University, earning All-American honors and placing 11th at the NCAA Championships. After transferring to Wright State University, he continued to excel, winning the Horizon League title in the 100-yard breaststroke and setting a school record in the event.

Following his collegiate career, Keriazes transitioned into coaching, and joined the staff of the Springfield YMCA (SPY) team. For more than two seasons, he mentored and developed young swimmers, drawing from extensive personal experience to foster growth, confidence, and performance in the pool. As Witt’s assistant head coach, he is passionate about helping student-athletes reach their full potential both in and out of the water, combining high-level technical expertise with a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and personal development.

Eby has been actively involved in diving since age five. She competed through high school and into college at the University of Arizona, where she retired after 17 years due to injury. She transitioned to coaching, helping the college team as a team manager and assistant coach while also assisting with a high school team in Tucson.

As a summer club, high school, and club diving coach for more than 20 years, Eby has had the privilege to be the head or assistant coach to numerous All-American high school divers, USA/AAU/YMCA national champions, and international qualifiers. Prior to ACES Diving, she was the head coach at the Ohio State Diving Club, coaching the 2019 USA Diving Junior National Champions. Eby also served as head coach and owner of Queen City Diving and coached with Legacy Diving in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She has international coaching experience at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, 2019 Junior Pan Ams, 2020 FINA Grand Prix in Rostock, Germany, and 2024 British Junior Elites. In addition to coaching, she has served as a FINA certified judge for USA Diving domestically and internationally from 2013 to present.

She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 16 years and have four children in Jake, Brenden, Rylan, and Miles.

Written By: Cindy Holbrook