"We have reached a point in the evolution of this endeavor that we need some sport-specific expertise. It's a blessing to have a person with Kurt's background right here in Franklin willing to help guide our efforts," said Prather. "Kurt is well-known and extremely well-respected in the realm of high school swimming and diving. I am particularly impressed with his philosophical approach to sports, which is consistent with the ideals of NCAA Division III and Franklin College. We appreciate very much his willingness to assist us in this exciting venture."
“The stars are aligned for this,” said Hass. “I believe the college, the area and the school corporations would all benefit from having a competitive program at Franklin College.
“Franklin College is geographically in a great area for swimming and diving. Indiana has for years been one of the top five swimming states, and central Indiana has a great number of athletes interested in a liberal arts education. That combination could be very beneficial to student-athletes and the college. My role will be sort of guiding the development of the swimming and diving program.”
There is no certain timetable for a full-fledged varsity program to begin competition, but Hass plans to organize a club for current FC students interested in swimming and diving as early as the next semester.
“The students here on campus have indicated enough interest,” said Hass. “This would be an opportunity to develop a team feel and an opportunity to generate interest from the students on the campus and from their communities at home. Once they demonstrate there is a strong interest, we want to find out what kinds of numbers, excitement and value there would be.
“I’ve started several programs in my career and I believe I can guide them in some positive ways. I might be the initial face for the program as far as students are concerned.”
Hass noted physical education majors at the college also would benefit from having an aquatics background as part of their curricula.
Franklin currently offers a combined 16 varsity sports (eight each for men and women). About 35 percent of the college’s students compete in varsity athletics.
The college does not have a facility on campus, but officials have reached an agreement with the Franklin Community School Corporation to utilize the pool at the former high school, which is now being renovated into a middle school.
Hass, a lifelong resident of Franklin, coached high school swimming and diving and taught physical education for 35 years prior to retiring at the end of the 2005-06 school year. He coached close to 600 dual meet victories. His girls teams had captured several sectional championships and dominated their conference throughout his coaching tenure. Moreover, Hass coached several divers to the state meet, including two which were named to the inaugural class of the Indiana High School Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame.
He was selected the sectional Coach of the Year nine times and earned the Indiana Swimming Coaches Association’s Diving Coach of the Year twice.
In addition to his high school career, Hass coached in the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department’s Franklin Swim Club for many years. Hass, who holds bachelor’s and masters degrees from Indiana University, has a wife, Janet, and two grown children, son Mark and daughter Mandy.