Towson Names New Swim Coach Amid Recording Device Investigation

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)--Towson University pulls out from an upcoming swim meet amid anger over a recording device found in a locker room.

The cell phone was discovered last month by members of the women's swim team.

WJZ's Tracey Leong has the latest on the investigation.

At least 10 women were in the Burdick Hall locker room when a cell phone was discovered, allegedly recording the athletes during one of the most vulnerable times.

While the university has not confirmed what is on the recording at least seven of the women claim their images were captured.

"I'm slightly appalled," said Christine Wood, one Towson student. "That's a spot you should be comfortable in."

"I think it's ridiculous and disgusting," said Mike Faderin, another Towson student.

This incident is shocking students on campus while the university looks into what happened.

Members of the Towson Tigers swim and dive team are upset this investigation is taking so long and say many of their concerns are being ignored.

The university releasing the following statement on the ongoing investigation:

On Tuesday, November 17th, Towson University Director of Athletics Tim Leonard named Jake Shrum as the Acting Head Coach of Swimming and Tim Perkins was recently hired as the temporary Diving Coach. "Jake has already demonstrated tremendous leadership under the present circumstances and we are confident in his ability to continue to provide stability for the team," Leonard said.

We continue to move toward the conclusion of the investigation as swiftly as possible. Both Interim President Timothy Chandler and AD Leonard understand the frustration expressed by some members of team with the timeline, however we must follow due process to ensure the correct actions are taken. It is imperative that we are working with information that is accurate, complete, and verified in order to make these difficult decisions. 

In consultation with the coach and the team, Towson Swimming and Diving will not participate in the Pittsburgh Invite this weekend in order to refocus, recover, and regroup and to prepare to restart the competition schedule in January.

University and Athletics staff will continue to hold our regular meetings with team members, as we have over the past month, both to hear concerns and to keep the team informed as more information becomes available.

Athletes on the team have decided to boycott their upcoming swim competition due to their frustration with the school.

The school has pulled out of the Pittsburgh invite this weekend saying they plan to refocus, recover and regroup for their next competition in January.

The university has also named a new interim head coach of the swim and dive team during the investigation.