LEWISTON, Maine – Bates College head swimming and diving coach Peter Casares announced the promotion of Boomer Druchniak to Assistant Swimming and Diving Coach and Aquatics Director ahead of the 2025–26 season. Druchniak, who joined the Bobcats last year as an assistant coach, moves into a full-time role following a strong debut season with the program.

"We are pleased to announce the promotion to full-time assistant coach and aquatics director for Coach Druchniak," Casares said. "Working together last year, Boomer demonstrated tremendous capacity in learning the training philosophy of the program, connecting with athletes, and tackling the administrative side of the sport. His credentials as a consultant and aquatics director are a natural fit for this role as well. We are thrilled to see him join us full time as we tackle the next step in Bates swimming and diving."

Druchniak expressed his excitement about the opportunity.

"I am beyond thrilled to be moving into the full-time assistant role this season!" Druchniak said. "Having the opportunity to work with such a talented group of student- athletes and a seasoned and knowledgeable head coach in Coach Casares is a dream come true. I'm looking forward to working with the staff and athletes to really chase some more incredible performances this winter. Go Bobcats!"

The 2024–25 campaign was a historic one for the Bates men's program. At the NCAA Championships, Max Cory captured Bates' first-ever national title in swimming, winning the 100-yard freestyle in record-breaking fashion with a time of 42.88. The men's squad went on to place 13th overall—the highest national finish in program history—as the Bobcats celebrated five All-America performances (four men's, one women's).

Druchniak came to Bates after three seasons as the head coach of the varsity swimming program at Falmouth (Maine) High School (2021–24). He guided the boys team to a second-place finish at States in 2021–22 and a third-place showing in 2023–24, while leading the girls program to a tie for second this past season. Prior to his time at Falmouth, Druchniak was the assistant coach at his alma mater, Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, Maine.

A 2017 graduate of Ursinus College, Druchniak earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied economics. The 2025–26 season will mark his second on the Bates coaching staff.