A very familiar face at the Alma Grace McDonough pool will be seen on a more regular basis now. Wheeling Jesuit has tabbed local coach Jeani Humpe as the next men's and women's swimming teams head coach.
The Cardinals welcome Humpe, who has directed the Wheeling Central Catholic High School teams for the past 10 years.
"I sought this position to further my experience with coaching swimming at a college level and become an active member of the Wheeling Jesuit University community," said Humpe.
Humpe's very familiar face around the McDonough pool look to be a true member of the Cardinals family and pass along her long run as a respected swimming coach.
"Being that Wheeling Central Catholic has practiced at Wheeling Jesuit University for 10 years, I have become a familiar face around the pool," noted the new Cardinals coach. "The partnership between Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Wheeling Jesuit University reminds me of one big family. Even though I was not a staff member of WJU, I have always been treated like a Cardinal from the swimmers, students, and other college coaches. I have met some amazing Wheeling Jesuit swimmers throughout the years. Their dedication to the program has shown me what a strong team they have become."
In the last decade, Humpe has experienced success on both the boys' and girls' side of the Maroon Knights teams. With the boys, the new WJU coach led them to the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Small School Division 2012 Runner-up position. She also received the 2014 Boys Class 1A-3A OVAC Coach of the Year award.
On the girls side, Humpe guided the 2014 Central High team to a OVAC Small School Division Runner-up finish. She was voted the 2012 Girls' Class 1A-3A OVAC Coach of the Year honors.
In addition to her Central Catholic coaching success, Humpe has been in charge of the Wheeling YMCA Swim Team's beginner swimmers for 16 years. She also has directed the Head Coordinator/Coach for the Warren Township Summer League the last 10 years.
"I have a passion for coaching children and young adults to become, not only outstanding athletes, but outstanding people," added Humpe. "I have gradually climbed the ladder to a club coach, a high school coach and now a college coach. This has been a dream come true. I am honored to be a part of the Wheeling Jesuit Swimming family."
Humpe has four daughters, who, of course, have swum or is currently swimming. Her oldest, Joee, graduated from Lake Erie College and lives in Denver Colorado. Jocie is attending and swimming for Davis & Elkins College, while her youngest two, Smillee and Gracee, swim for the Wheeling YMCA.
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