Riverdale, NY - Manhattan Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Marianne Reilly has announced Eric Rasmussen, Jr. as the Head Coach of the Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving programs.
"We are happy to welcome Eric back to Manhattan College," said Reilly. "He comes to campus with a level of coaching experience, which will benefit the student-athletes in our program."
Rasmussen, Jr., who previously served as a volunteer assistant with the Jaspers, returns to Riverdale after spending three years as the Head Coach/Aquatic Director at York College. During his time in Pennsylvania, his swimmers broke school records in 24 events, with two qualifying for the NCAA Championships and one earning All-American honors. Additionally, he managed York's natatorium and a staff of 30 lifeguards.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I want to thank the college administration for bringing me on board," said Rasmussen, Jr. "After many years coaching in the MAAC, I'm well aware of the outstanding academic reputation of Manhattan College The opportunity to lead these amazing young men and women in their athletic pursuits is truly a special one."
Rasmussen, Jr. also served as the Head Coach of the NJIT Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving teams from 2005-10, while guiding the programs' transition into Division I and also serving as the school's Aquatics Director.
He also was the Head Coach at Saint Peter's from 1994-2002, and oversaw the development of 11 MAAC Champions, and the program's first-ever Junior National Qualifiers.
During his time as an Assistant at Manhattan from 2010-2013, Rasmussen, Jr. aided with all elements of the program, with the men's team earning its best team finish at the ECAC Championship in 2012.
Rasmussen, Jr. served as an Assistant Coach at Loyola College, after getting his start as a Graduate Assistant at Texas. During his time with the Longhorns, he assisted the program to the 1990 and 1991 NCAA Championships, while helping place three student-athletes on the 1992 United States Olympic Team. In addition to his collegiate experience, he has spent time as the Raritan Bay Area YMCA Aquatics Director.
Rasmussen, Jr. earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College.
