Carrera Named New Director of Aquatics at Vanguard University

Aquatics Director Craig Bluell resigns after spending two seasons at Vanguard University as the head coach of men’s and women’s swimming.

Bluell had been brought onboard in March 2009, two years ago to establish a men’s and women’s swimming program at Vanguard.

Current mens and womens water polo coach Ed Carrera has been named the new Aquatics director in his sophomore year of coaching at Vanguard.

Vanguard University’s Athletic Director commented on Bluell’s departure in a statement released, “We are extremely sorry to see Craig leave his role as our head swimming coach, he was our initial swimming coach and did a great job in beginning the swimming program at Vanguard. He was also a valuable member of our athletic staff and he will be missed.”

After two years at Vanguard, Bluell hands the reigns of the program to Carrera. He begins his tenure, equally qualified to head Vanguard’s men’s and women’s teams. With an extensive aquatics background, which spanns across all levels from club water polo, to international competitions.

“With a new program its a building process. There will be gradual changes each year to improve the quality of the aquatics program. I always learn from the previous year or season. my main concern is to give athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level while keeping their studies and faith a priority” stated Carerra.

Carrera began his collegiate head coaching career during the Fall 10-11 season, leading the men’s water polo team to an inaugural record of 10-18 and the women’s to a record of 3-24.

“I feel blessed to be doing what I love to do” said Carrera. “There are many more responsibilities that have been added to my plate with is time consuming, but having a great athletic staff really helped. They guide me, mentor me, and to their best to see me succeed”.

Carrera’s experience is a big aid to recruitment of high-caliber athletes to Vanguard, as well as the development of many athletes who play water polo as well as swim.

“We feel Ed (Carerra) has done a great job initiating our water polo program, and he has an extensive background in both swimming and water polo,” said Wilson. “He is well networked in the Orange County area for recruiting purposes, and we look forward to his ability to build our aquatics program.”