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BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech athletics department and swimming and diving head coach Ned Skinner have announced the hiring of Aaron Bell as assistant coach. Bell joins the Tech staff after spending the past four seasons as head assistant and recruiting coordinator at the University of Buffalo.

"We are very excited to welcome Aaron Bell and his wife Courtney into our Hokie family," Skinner said. "Aaron has developed a tremendous resume over the last 10 years and his passion and energy for fast swimming is contagious. Aaron and I share a connection through Ohio University and I have really enjoyed watching him grow as a professional. He is a tenacious recruiter and a genuine student of the sport. Our H₂Okies will benefit from his vision and commitment for greatness both in the classroom and pool."

During his tenure at Buffalo, the Bulls had 20 Mid-American Conference Champions, 74 school records and four NCAA diving qualifiers. The men’s squad placed first in the MAC last season, while placing second in 2009 and 2010.

"I am so ecstatic to be a part of the Virginia Tech swimming and diving staff," commented Bell. "I feel with the new aquatic center and with the staff set in place, this program has all the pieces to take Virginia Tech to another level. I am looking forward to starting the season and to become a Hokie!"

Prior to joining the Buffalo staff, Bell spent time on the coaching staff at Ohio University and the University of Miami. At Ohio, Bell was an assistant for both squads where he assisted in all facets of the program and worked primarily with the mid-distance swimmers. Bell oversaw weight training and dry land routines for the Miami Hurricanes as an assistant.

Bell had a stellar college career at Clarion University, where he was a 20-time NCAA Divison II All-American and a seven-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion. During his senior season with the Golden Eagles, he qualified for the Senior National Championship and received the Scholar-Athlete Award.

He received his undergraduate degree in liberal studies in 2004 from Clarion and later earned his master’s degree from Ohio in 2007.

For updates on Virginia Tech swimming & diving, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_SwimDive).