Crawford recently announced his decision to leave Monmouth for the Terre Haute, Ind., school citing the opportunity to move closer to his family in Indiana.

"It’s simply a case of being able to move to within an hour’s drive of my family," said Crawford. "I appreciate the opportunity Monmouth gave me to develop the program from the ground up. Monmouth has wonderful facilities and I’m certain the program will continue to thrive."

Crawford was hired in 2004 to resurrect the men’s swimming program after a 20-year layoff and establish a women’s swimming program at Monmouth. Under his direction, the Fighting Scots quickly developed into a contender in the MWC. The men placed second in the conference meet the last two years and the women steadily improved, finishing as high as fourth place in the conference in 2007. In Crawford’s five years guiding the Scots, the men have claimed six individual and relay conference titles. The women claimed their first two individual crowns last season.

"Keith has done an outstanding job developing our program," said athletic director Roger Haynes. "We’re very appreciative of the job he has done. He has left our program in good shape with a number of quality athletes."

Longtime assistant Dave Yez, a 1964 Monmouth College graduate, has been named the interim head coach. Prior to joining the Scots as an assistant, Yez spent the better part of two decades as a coach at Monmouth High School. Two-time conference champion Kurt Niemeier has been named Yez’ top assistant.

"Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program," praised Haynes. "We feel his experience and familiarity with the program makes him the perfect choice as we take the time needed to find a suitable replacement for Keith."

Monmouth will begin the nationwide search for Crawford’s replacement following the conclusion of the season this spring.