Jenn Blomme, Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach
For a bio about Jenn, please click here.Chris Bendix, Assistant Men's and Women's Swim Coach
Chris is in his second year as our full-time assistant coach. He graduated from Whitman in 2012 with a B.A. in Philosophy. Chris grew up in the Seattle area and swam for the Bellevue Club Swim Team for over ten years before continuing his swimming career at Whitman. He specialized in distance freestyle, IM, and breaststroke during his four years and is a former school record holder for the 1000 and 1650 freestyle. In his Senior year, Chris served as co-captain with fellow Senior Matt Rowett, and helped lead Whitman to it's best-ever 2nd place finish at the NWC Championships and it's best-ever finish at the NCAA DIII National Championships.In 2009, he Received the Coach's Award from Head Coach Jenn Blomme. Chris was also voted Hardest Working by the Men's Team for four consecutive years. Chris is is an avid cyclist and runner and was also a member of the Whitman Chorale for three years. He also worked in the Admission Office for three years as a tour guide and Senior Interviewer. Chris was also a manager of the Phonathon Calling Team for the Annual Giving Office.
He is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to coach and inspire his former teammates and is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to continue to pursue coaching swimming in such a supportive and and passionate atmosphere.
Eric Hisaw, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Eric Hisaw joined us as our strength and conditioning coach in 2009. Hisaw (or Hise) graduated from the University of Idaho in 1996 with a B.A. in Physical Education and then earned his Master's in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA, Hisaw's hometown. During his time at Idaho, Hise was the starting quaterback for the Vandals in 1994 and '95. He was also the Big Sky Conference 55 meter hurdles indoor track champion in 1996. Hise was on the Big Sky Conference's All-Academic Team for both football and track.Hisaw's full-time job is as a Physical Eduaction teacher at Walla Walla High School where he is also the head Football coach and head Track and Field Coach. In his spare time (and there isn't much) Hise is an avid multi-sport athlete. He is an experienced triathlete and in August 2012, he completed his first Ironman triathlon on his 40th birthday.
Hise has revolutionized the Whitman Swimming Strength and Condition program. His incorporation of elements of CrossFit and other dynamic, full-body and core-driven exercises has made our swimmers into better, stronger, more self-aware athletes. His strength and conditioning regime over the past four seasons has been a huge part of our success in the water.
Jamie Kennedy, Volunteer Assistant Coach
Jamie graduated from Whitman in 1996 with a B.A. in Sociology. He swam throughout his four years at Whitman, specializing in Sprint Freestyle, for long-time head coach and Jenn's predecessor, Lee Coleman.Jamie is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area but returned to Whitman in 2003 to start a family with his Wife, also a Whitman alum, and to take up the post of Director of Planned Giving for the Whitman Development Office.
Jamie and his wife, Becky, have one daughter, Mary. The Kennedy's are big Whitman Athletics fans and can be spotted at almost any Whitman sporting event. Jamie is also a huge foodie. When he's not out riding his bike through the wheat fields, you can find him tending to his smoker, with a glass of local wine in one hand. You can always count on something delicious when Jamie is cooking!
