Poppell at World Maccabiah Games

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas head swimming coach Jeff Poppell heads to Israel for the next two weeks to coach the Maccabi USA’s Open Swimming team competing at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel July 13-23, 2009.

“I feel very excited and honored to have the opportunity to coach for Team USA at the Maccabiah Games in Israel.” Poppell said. “This will be an unbelievable experience for all involved. I appreciate the total support that the University of Arkansas is giving me to help realize this dream."

Poppell represented the United States Open Swimming team at the 14th Maccabiah Games where he brought home a gold, silver and two bronze medals.

Coaching alongside Poppell is Barry Roffer, an accomplished swimmer and previous staff member of the Maccabiah Games. The two coaches aim for their team to be competitive, work hard, create lifelong friendships and bring home the top medals.

In his third season at Arkansas, Poppell led the 2008-09 Razorbacks to a program high 10 dual wins and a fifth place finish at the Southeastern Conference Championships, another program best. Yi-Ting Siow became Poppell’s first SEC champion, and Arkansas’ first since 1992, winning the 200 breast event. Arkansas also garnered four All-America honors.

The World Maccabiah Games are held every four years in Israel. The 2009 games are the world’s third-largest international athletic competition where over 9,000 of the world’s best Jewish athletes from over 60 countries compete.

Maccabi USA is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games and enriches Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.

For more information about Razorback swimming and diving, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.