Head Swim Coach Kile Zeller, launching new NCAA M&W D2 squads at UPJ - Open for Opportunities

Life at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown: Campus Beauty, Close‑Knit Community, and Opportunities for Athletes Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at Coach Kyle Zeller's first year building a D‑II men's & women's swim program at UPJ— from historic PSAC meet wins to the next‑gen recruiting playbook. Watch how he turns a modest pool into a squad where the person comes first. He is keeping student‑athletes front of mind. What's Covered: Building a competitive PSAC program and historic meet qualification Recruiting tactics: internal talent, high‑school stars & value propositions Marketing & outreach: podcasts, local media, coach networking Campus & facility snapshot: 25‑yard pool, Appalachian views, small‑school perks Break‑time training, student‑athlete balance & growth roadmap for 2026 / 2027 Some mentions in this, part one of three, episode, #64 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide: The PSAC is fast – our UPJ swimmers just made history with our first PSAC qualifier, Mark DePalma, who smashed the cut by two seconds. Recruiting started late April 2025, but we've already secured the valedictorian of Marion Center High, a 4.8‑GPA swimmer, as our inaugural college recruit. We're promoting the men's and women's teams across PA, hitting high‑school meets, club events, and even a Fox 8 interview to spread the word. Our facility is a basic six‑lane, 25‑yard pool with stunning Appalachian Mountain views, fresh tiling, and a million‑dollar recent renovation. Campus life: 729 acres of woods, ski‑chalet dorms, top engineering and nursing programs, and a close‑knit community where the AD knows every student's name.