Mike Finneran Named Head Diving Coach
7/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
July 12, 2004
RALEIGH, N.C. - Mike Finneran was recently named the head diving coach at NC State after a successful career in and out of the pool. Finneran, a 1971 graduate of Ohio State University, won the NCAA Championship in 1971, and was a member of the 1972 USA Olympic Team as a standout diver. Mike was a two-time coach of the year in the SEC while coaching for the University of Alabama, and is a seasoned veteran in the diving community.
"I am extremely excited to have Mike Finneran joining our coaching staff," head coach Brooks Teal remarked. "Mike's coaching ability as a great teacher, motivator and developer of outstanding divers is known throughout the nation. He is passionate about helping to restore NC State Swimming and Diving as a leader in the ACC as well as on the NCAA scene. Mike will play an important role as a coach who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and how to help us get there. Not only will our divers benefit from his expertise and guidance, but he will play a leadership role for our swimmers as well."
Finneran was the diving coach at Raleigh's Enloe High School from 1997-2000, after successful stints with Alabama and South Carolina. He was the head men's and women's diving coach at the University of South Carolina from 1981-1985, before moving on to Alabama for three seasons, winning back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year honors in 1986 and 1987.
As a diver, Finneran was a NCAA Champion in 1971 and won the 3 meter championship at the National AAU meet three times, 1970-72. He was a member of the 1972 Olympic Team and the 3 meter champion in 1971 at the Pan American Games.
Finneran was the USA coach in the 1986 Goodwill Games and was also the Metro Conference Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1985, and the NIC Coach of the Year in 1983.