Erickson, Wightman Accept New Posts

July 11, 2001

Margo Erickson and Nancy Wightman are familiar names in the synchro world, and are the two most recent additions to the U.S. Synchronized Swimming national office staff, announced by Executive Director Debbie Hesse.

Erickson, a 14-year employee of the organization, will assume the newly created role of Education Director. Erickson will be responsible for the development and implementation of Synchro Swimming USA's educational programs, including the coaching certification program, national clinic network, and upcoming first annual Coaches College seminar for club coaches.

Erickson, a native of Minneapolis, Minn., earned her B.A. in English from St. Olaf College. Among her vast experience in the sport, she has Technical Director of USSS since 1987, National Head Coach for Italy from 1984-1986, and National Head Coach for Mexico from 1981-1984. She began her 36-year synchro career coaching at the Town North YMCA in Dallas, Texas.

Wightman accepted the newly created position of Emerging Programs Director. Under the part-time position, Wightman will lead the collegiate development program to gain NCAA status for synchronized swimming by 2006.

"We're very excited to have Margo and Nancy as part of our national office staff," Hesse said. "Together, they bring more than 70 years of synchro experience at all levels to the organization. Their roles in developing both our educational offerings and collegiate programs will be instrumental to the long-term growth of our organization."

As a volunteer, Wightman has spearheaded the collegiate synchro movement for the past several years. During her 35 year synchro career, Wightman has filled the role of swimmer, age group coach, and national judge. She served as USSS President from 1992-1996, as a USSS Vice President of both development and finance, and is currently the synchro representative to the United States Olympic Committee.

Wightman is currently employed as the varsity synchro coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Keuka College in Keuka Park, N.Y.