GUNNISON, Colo. --- Western Colorado women's swimming and diving head coach Erik Matheson has resigned after leading the Mountaineers for four seasons.
 
Over the course of his career at Western, Matheson coached two athletes to eight All-American performances, the programs first and only national champion, a national runner-up, RMAC Swimmer of the Year and multiple All-Academic individuals and teams.
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with, lead and grow Western Swimming & Diving over the last four years," Matheson said. "Athletics and the campus community has been a wonderful environment. It was a difficult decision; the team has become family and I will miss them greatly."
 
For the 2020-21 season, Matheson was able to put together a modified schedule, despite Covid-19, where the Mountaineers went 4-1 in dual meets. The Mountaineers finished fourth overall at the RMAC Championships and sent one athlete to the NCAA Championships where she earned All-American honors. 

In the 2019-2020 season, Matheson led WCU to a fifth place finish at the RMAC Championships with five Mountaineers earning All-RMAC honors. As well as leading the team to their most wins since 2015-2016 season winning 7-4 in duals.
 
Over the course of the 2018-2019 season, Matheson led WCU to break six school records as well as sending two swimmers to Nationals where he accompanied the program's first national champion.
 
"Coach Matheson elevated the Western Colorado swimming and diving program to new heights over the past four years," Western Colorado Director of Athletics Miles Van Hee said. "He did what no coach has done before him, by producing the programs first ever national champion along with having his athletes rewrite the record books. We wish him the best for his future endeavors."
 
Western Colorado has begun a national coaching search.