COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Columbus High School has a new swim and dive coach.

CHS Director of Athletics and Activities Tim Kwapnioski announced Wednesday morning that Joe Krepel will take over the program. Krepel replaces Alyssa Dillon, who has resigned as a teacher and coach to pursue other opportunities, according to Kwapnioski. Krepel will be the head coach for both the boys and girls teams.

“We are so excited to have Joe join the Columbus High School swim and dive Team as the head coach," Kwapnioski said. "We are impressed with his knowledge of the sport and his drive to work with our staff and return CHS Swim and Dive to its rightful place.”

Krepel has worked in the aquatics industry for over 15 years, teaching people to swim for over 25 years. He was a YMCA Swim Coach before becoming an assistant coach for Columbus High School. He is currently the aquatic coordinator at the Columbus Aquatic Center and Pawnee Plunge.

“What I think our athletes are going to like most is Coach Krepel’s enthusiasm and sincere interest in the individual person," Kwapnioski said. "He cares about his athletes which will go a long way to building the trust that underlies successful athlete-coach relationships.”

"Swimming is a great sport," Krepel said. "I feel so blessed to be part of this team and to bring excitement back to this program. There is a long history of great swimmers in this community and there is so much opportunity for growth. I just want people to be excited about swimming again. We have some great swimmers on this team and the kids coming up out of the YMCA program are really good. We have a bright future ahead of us and I am looking forward to what is coming."

Krepel has a degree in park and recreation management from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

It is the second new coaching hire made by CHS in as many days. Krepel's hire was made one day after John Riedmiller was named the school's head baseball coach.