Poppell leads Maccabi USA's Open Swimming team

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas head swimming coach Jeff Poppell was selected to lead the Maccabi USA’s Open Swimming team competing at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel July 13-23, 2009. Poppell represented the United States Open Swimming team at the 14th Maccabiah Games where he brought home a gold, silver and two bronze medals. The third-year head coach of the Razorback swimming and diving program will work alongside Barry Roffer, an accomplished swimmer and staff member of the Maccabiah Games the past two years. Collectively, they bring over 35 years of competitive coaching experience to the USA Team. “I feel very excited about the opportunity to coach for Team USA in an international competition,” said Poppell. “This will be an unbelievable experience for all involved.” Poppell and Roffer’s goals for their team at the games include being competitive, working hard, creating lifelong friendships and bringing home the top medals. Poppell most recently guided the Razorback swimming and diving program to its most wins since 2001-02. In Poppell’s two years at the helm, Arkansas earned four All-American honors and broke 11 school records. 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 Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.