Division III Anderson University Names Dave Costill as Assistant Coach

Courtesy: Anderson Athletics

Anderson University named Dave Costill as the next assistant swimming coach, which was announced on Tuesday.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dave Costill to Anderson University,” Head Swimming & Diving Coach Tanner Barton stated. “Dave’s extensive research in exercise physiology and competitive swimming has strongly influenced the global swimming community. Dave has a unique ability to truly connect and relate with collegiate student-athletes, never failing to engage in meaningful conversations while also keeping conversations lighthearted with his witty remarks. Our student-athletes, Athletic Department and entire University will surely benefit from interacting with Dave.”

Costill established the Human Performance Research Laboratory at Ball State University in 1966 and served as a professor in Physical Education and Exercise Science before retiring in 2004. The research laboratory covered the physiology field in many areas including heart disease, diabetes, distance running, swimming, nutrition and muscle atrophy aboard NASA’s Space Station and Space Shuttle, a bear’s muscle loss during hibernation, among many others.

In 2001, Costill was profiled in the New York Times feature SCIENTIST AT WORK/David Costill; A Career Spent in Study of Training and Exercise, Lap by Grueling Lap. During his career, Costill has published more than 430 articles and written six books, which includes one commissioned by the International Olympic Committee.

As a student-athlete at Ohio University, Costill competed in the NCAA Championships in 1956, 1957, 1958 as well as the 1958 AAU Championships. In the 1958 NCAA Championships, Costill captured third place in the 400-medley relay and fifth in the 400-freestyle relay. Costill graduated from Ohio University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He received his master’s in Physiology from Miami University (Ohio) in 1961. Costill earned his PhD in Physical Education and Physiology from Ohio State University in 1965.

As a coach, Costill has worked at various levels including NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III and high school. Costill led the State University New York (SUNY)-Courtland as head cross country coach and head swimming and diving coach. During his time at SUNY Courtland, Costill coached three all-Americans in cross country and a swimming and diving national champion in the 1650. At Ball State, Costill assisted the swimming and diving team from 2011-12 and from 2016-18.

Costill served on the U.S. Olympic Committee in the late 1970s. He was also the keynote speaker at the American Swimming Coaches Association convention for 15 years, beginning in 1977.

Costill currently holds four world records and 24 national records as a U.S. Masters swimmer per event and age group. He has also competed in 12 marathons during his career and also pilots in his free time.

Barton built a relationship with Costill as both a student-athlete and a coach. Costill coached Barton during his 2016-17 senior year. Barton then became a swimming graduate assistant with Ball State the following year.

“I was fortunate to have benefited from Dave’s coaching when I was a senior at Ball State University, and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the pool deck and coaching with him during the 2017-18 season. I am now blessed to welcome a close friend and distinguished colleague to our Anderson University Swimming & Diving program, especially as we help the Ravens soar to new heights!”