July 24, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State head swimming and diving coach Andy Boyce announced the hiring of Roger Karns as an assistant coach. Karns will begin his duties August 4.

Karns comes to Grand Valley State after an 18-year career as the head boy's and girl's swimming coach at Wawasee High School in Syracuse, Indiana. Karns, who is an American Swim Coaches' Association level 5 coach, guided Wawasee to nine boys and three girls Indiana Sectional team championships. Wawasee finished second in the Indiana State meet in 1994, seventh in 1993, 10th in 1997 and 2003. In addition, Wawasee claimed four Northern Lakes Conference girls titles and three boys crowns. Karns led Wawasee to a 359-130-2 dual meet record. Individually, Karns coached 17 NISCA High School All-Americans, three state champions and four that earned runner-up honors. Karns was named Northern Lakes Conference and Indiana Sectional Coach of the Year 18 times. Roger was the head coach at NorthWood (Ind.) High School rom 1983-89.

Karns graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in education in 1980 and earned a master's in education in from Indiana University-South Bend in 1990. Roger was a two-year letterwinner in swimming at Ball State (1975-76) and was a part of the record-setting 800 free relay team. Roger and his wife, Vicki, have three children: Laura (25), Tyler (22) and Lydia (17).