Josh Sarl, contributor

After missing the 2024-25 season due to injuries, a limited roster and a post-COVID-19 climate, the Augsburg Swimming and Diving team will be taking the plunge back into the pool for the 2025-26 season with new head coach, Zach Wood at the helm. I spoke with Wood about what Auggies can expect this upcoming season. 

Coming from Alma, Michigan, Wood competed at the high school and club levels in Michigan and swam for the University of Minnesota at a NCAA Division I level. From there, Wood coached athletes of various ages, backgrounds and abilities – “anywhere from ages 5 to 85,” Wood said. His varied coaching experience and competitive background gives him the tools to develop other swimmers.

Wood described his position as “the perfect opportunity,” adding that Augsburg lets athletes “gain an education, both academically and socially.” He called the team’s situation “unique,” saying the small campus and lack of an on-campus pool is a “double-edged sword.” A smaller roster of athletes and no access to an on-campus pool present challenges to the team’s competitive standing against other schools. Yet, Wood said the setup also helps build team spirit and a positive athletic culture. “With a small team we get to stay together, travel together and they get a lot of focus and attention from me,” he said.  Wood added that the team will use University of Minnesota’s world-class swimming facilities. With the support from new Athletic director Amy Cooper, who has a swimming background herself, Wood said the team looks to be well positioned for future development. 

Wood said the “small in size but big at heart” mentality was a distinct part of the Augsburg sporting culture, noting that baseball and cross-country teams also use off-campus facilities. “It gives us the opportunity to define what success means for us. With a small team, it’s not just wins and losses – we are able to agree on what makes this a meaningful experience for our small group of dedicated athletes,” he said. Wood added that Augsburg has a “culture of excellence” and a desire to compete, which he attributes to the professional attitudes of staff and students.

Wood said the team is “having a lot of fun,” whether it’s listening to music on van rides, getting new training gear, or regaining the feel for the water. “There is this feeling of hope and excitement,” he said. Wood called the upcoming November meet at St. Catherine’s University as a “defining moment for the training we’ve put in this fall semester,” and said it will prepare the team for the MIAC conference in February.

As a student body, we can all look forward to seeing what this group can do. Go Auggies!