Former Bison Nicholas Askew Hired As Swimming & Diving Coach

PHOTO COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- Howard University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Louis "Skip" Perkins has tabbed former Bison dual-sport star Nicholas Askew ('01) to be the next Head Coach of the school's Swimming & Diving programs.

Askew, a native of Kinston, NC, was a member of the Howard Swimming & Diving and Tennis teams from 1996-2001. He served as a team captain on the swim team, set several records  and was named team Most Valuable Player four times – three in swimming and one in tennis. He graduated from Howard with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology

This will be Askew's third role in his Howard career, having also served as an assistant under current tennis head coach Larry Strickland.

"We are glad to welcome Coach Askew back to Howard and to have him take over our Swimming & Diving program here at Howard," said Perkins. "Nic has a passion for the school, first-hand knowledge of the program and the coaching background necessary to help make our student-athletes successful."

Nic is married to the former Christie Davis and the couple resides in Washington, DC.

Q&A WITH COACH NIC

What made you want to pursue the head coach position here at Howard?
NA: The same reasons I chose to attend Howard as a student-athlete. Howard is among the few HBCUs that have a swimming & diving program, all while providing superior educational opportunities.  As a student-athlete, I recognized that I was a part of a rich legacy and now I have the privilege to coach and mentor a new line of student-athletes to continue the growth of that legacy. I knew I could not pass up that opportunity then or now.

What is your vision for the program and our student-athletes moving forward?
NA: Our program can be a strong competitor in our conference and beyond.  Each student-athlete will have the opportunity to give their best and be a part of the history of those that came before them.  We currently have some excellent swimmers who are proud to represent Howard.  Moving forward we will need to improve our depth, individual, and team performances.

What do you bring to the program that will make it successful?
NA: I've been "in their fins", so to speak.  I know what it's like to train, compete, and be successful. It's not complicated, but it does require hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.  My deep respect not only for the University and the Swimming and Diving program but also for each student-athlete will undoubtedly result in many successes to come.

Any other comments you'd like to share with the Howard community?
NA: I consider it an honor to be back at "The Mecca".  I am eager to work with our student-athletes and help them achieve great heights in and out of the pool.  I am also excited to reengage our alumni in the support of our program. With their additional help, Howard Swimming and Diving can be stronger than ever before.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS