Swim coach hired
09/12/2022
The new interim head coach says, “My unique coaching philosophy comes from my academic background as neurological physical therapist."
Kleman hired as interim swim and dive coach
Bluffton University has named Dr. Luke Kleman as Interim Head Swimming and Diving Coach.
Kleman works full time as a physical therapist at Lima Memorial Health System in Lima, Ohio, where he specializes in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation. He is a certified USA Swimming Coach for the Lima YMCA and previously served as a coach for the Putnam County YMCA. Kleman has coached multiple swimmers to the Great Lakes Zones Championship meet.
Kleman is still a competitive swimmer on the Lima YMCA USA Swim Team and in July swam a career best in both the 50 freestyle and the 50 butterfly at the USA Swimming Senior Meet in Mason, Ohio.
He is a graduate of the University of Findlay, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-physical therapy in 2019 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2021. He was a member of Findlay’s swim team where he competed mostly in freestyle, ranging from sprint to long distance events. He placed 6th in the 1650 yard freestyle and 8th in the 1000 yard freestyle in the 2019 Great Midwest Athletic Conference, as well as 9th place in the 200 freestyle in 2018.
Kleman will start interim head coaching duties at Bluffton this week.
“I am excited to continue developing the Beavers swim and dive team this fall,” said Kleman. “My unique coaching philosophy comes from my academic background as neurological physical therapist. I have the ability to teach proper swimming technique using the same methods I use with my patients when re-training them how to walk and improving long term muscle memory. I want to thank James Grandey for giving me the opportunity to work with the student-athletes this season.”
In addition to his youth coaching experience, Kleman has led multiple swim clinics in Texas and worked personally with head coach of Olympic Gold Medalist Dana Vollmer.
He takes over for Ben Rath who served as head coach last season.