SHREVEPORT, La. - Centenary triathlon and assistant swimming coach Kyle Joplin has announced his resignation.

Joplin leaves the College after four seasons to become the inaugural triathlon coach for the University of South Dakota, but will remain with the Ladies and Gents swimming teams through the 2018 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships February 14-17.

"I would like to thank former Centenary Athletic Director Ronda Seagraves, current Athletic Director Dr. Bob Bunnell, Dean of Students Mark Miller, and the rest of the Centenary family for an amazing four years," said Joplin. "I would also like to thank Butch Jordan for being a great mentor and allowing me to gain so much experience with the swim team."

In Centenary's first season of varsity triathlon competition in the fall of 2016, the Ladies qualified for the National Championship in their first competition. The Maroon and White went on to finish fifth overall and second among NCAA Division III teams at the National Championships in New Orleans.

Joplin has mentored seven Ladies and Gents swimmers who have finished All-Conference in individual events a total of 15 times, as well as 12 relay teams that have earned All-Conference recognition.

"Of course, it is with mixed feelings that we will be losing Kyle. I am very happy that he will get to pursue his passion of coaching triathlon at South Dakota. On the other hand, we will miss his contribution to our swimming program at Centenary," explained head swimming coach Butch Jordan. "Kyle and I worked well together, and the student-athletes appreciated his dedication and endless energy. I am very optimistic about our future and finding a replacement for Kyle is of upmost importance."

Joplin also coached Centenary cross country in both 2014 and 2015.