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Courtesy of OSU athletic department
New OSU diving coach Justin Sochor

Ohio State diving has named it’s fourth coach in the 82-year history of the program.

Justin Sochor, who recently coached Team USA at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, was announced as the new coach of the Buckeyes on Wednesday.

“I am confident that Justin has what it takes to lead our very successful diving program both in the classroom and in the diving well,” TJ Shelton, associate athletics director for sports administration, said in a press release. “During the interview process, Justin articulated a vision that would focus on the development of the student-athlete. We are excited to have Justin join our coaching staff at Ohio State.”

Sochor has big shoes to fill as the replacement of long-time coach Vince Panzano, whose 35 year tenure saw 12 NCAA champions and 23 U.S. national champions.

“Mike Peppe, Ron O’Brien and Vince Panzano. For more than 80 years, these three men have created the finest diving community for student-athletes to achieve their highest level of success personally, competitively and academically,” Sochor said in a press release. “These coaches have inspired me to continue the tradition of excellence at this great university. I am truly honored and humbled to step forward as the fourth head diving coach of the Buckeyes.”

A Worthington, Ohio native, Sochor took over as program manager and coach of the Ohio State Diving Club in 2010, leading the squad to back-to-back overall national titles at the 2013 USA diving Junior National Championships.

Sochor knows what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete and his experiences as a four-time collegiate conference champion diver at Cleveland State University will help him in his new role.

The new coach’s contract is for five years, $75,000 a year. Former coach Pazano’s salary was $91,230.36 a year.