Merner to retire as swimming/diving coach

After building a pair of strong and successful programs for the Green Bay Phoenix, Jim Merner is retiring following a 25-year mainstay as head coach of both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs effective June 30. Merner began his tenure, the second longest of any active head coach at Green Bay, back in 1990, when he was hired as the women’s swimming and diving head coach. Merner reinstated the men’s program in 1992. UW-Green Bay won seven consecutive women’s titles from 2005 to 2011, while also winning titles in 1998 and 2000 and adding a men’s title in 2002. Merner had kind words for past and present ADs including Dan Spielman and Mary Ellen Gillespie. Read more.