Mr. Garry Nelson
Head Coach - Men and Women’s Swimming
Last Updated 8-26-09

Mr. Garry Nelson graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1979 with a B.S. in Physical Education. He joined the staff at the University of the Cumberlands in 2001, and has currently accumulated 30 years experience in coaching at the USS Club level and the collegiate levels.

Coaching experience:
College:  Cumberlands 2001-current
Broward CC 1989-98
Club:
Head Coach, Sunrise Seahawks 1998-2000
Head Coach, Broward Seahawks 1990-98
Head Age Group Coach, Plantation, FL 1985-89
Head Coach Greensboro, NC 1983-85
Head Age Group Coach, Richmond, VA 1982-83
Head Age Group Coach,
Ft. Laud ST 1981-82

Coaching Honors:

Cumberlands:
Female NAIA Coach of the Year 2006-2007
Past President, NAIA Swimming Coaches Association, 2008-2009; President - 2007-08
Vice-President, NAIA Swimming Coaches Association, 2006-2007
Secretary, NAIA Swimming Coaches Association, 2005-2006

Our Men and Women have set 103 new team records since 2001
61 NAIA All-Americans (top 3 at our nationals)
157 CSCCA All-Americans (honorable mention 4-8 at Nationals)
27 Academic All-Americans (3.5 GPA)
Dual Meet Record of 60-13 Men and 58-18 Women
2009 Men 8th at Nationals and Women 5th at Nationals
Male Swimmer of the Year 2008-2009
One National Record Men's 200 Free 2008-2009
8 NAIA National Champions

Broward CC:

National Coach of the Year 1994-95
Elected BCC Sports Hall of Fame 1999
7 National Records
42 Individual Champions--8 relay champions
14 Academic All-Americans
Female Swimmer of the Year 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996
Male Swimmer of the Year 1996
232 total NJCAA All-Americans

Club Coaching: 

7 Swimmers USS National Qualifiers
55 Swimmers Junior National Qualifiers
56 Swimmers National Age Group Individual Top 16 Finish
49 National Age Group Relays ranked Top 10

Certifications: 

American Swimming Coaches Association
ASCA Level 5 College (Highest Rank)
ASCA Level 5 Age Group USS (Highest Level)
ASCA Level 4 Senior USS

Phone: 606.539.4485
Email: garry.nelson@ucumberlands.edu

Mr. Edward Von Hertsenberg
Assistant Coach - Swimming

Mr. Edward Von Hertsenberg begins his first year as an assistant swimming coach after a highly successful collegiate swimming career with the University of the Cumberlands.

While at Cumberlands, Von Hertsenberg served as the team captain both his junior and senior years. He earned NAIA All - American honors in the 800 Freestyle Relay which finished in 2nd place in 2008 as well as Honorable Mention All - American honors in nine relays and two individual events. Von Hertsenberg is a team record holder in three relay events as well. In additon, Edward was a three time College Swim Coaches Association Academic All-American.

Von Hertsenberg, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was graduated from Cumberlands in May of 2009 with a degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Excercise and Sports Science. He is currently working toward his Masters degree in Education.

Phone: 513.582.7489
Email: evonhertsenberg9932@ucumberlands.edu

Ms. Christen Heideman
Volunteer Assistant Swim Coach

Christen Heideman will serve as a volunteer assistant this year for the Patriots. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Heideman was graduated for the University of the Cumberlands in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Public Health.

During her four years at the Cumberlands, she served as the team captain her Junior and Senior years, earned NAIA All-American honors in 11 individual events and 10 relays, including two NAIA National Championships in the 200 butterfly in 2003 and 2004. Christen is a team record holder in two individual events and one relay. In addition, she was a College Swim Coaches Association Academic All-American her Junior and Senior years.

In 2008, Christen was graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is currently employed as a Registered Nurse.