KINGSTON, R.I. – February, 22, 2007 – For the 10th consecutive year, the University of Rhode Island’s Tootell Aquatic Center has been named the Top University Aquatics Program in the country by the United States Water Fitness Association.

In addition, URI’s aquatic center was ranked the Top Overall Aquatic Program in Rhode Island and the Fifth Overall Aquatic Program in the country.

“The success of our program would not be possible without our excellent staff,” said Ted Boyett, URI coordinator of aquatics. “Our student and support staffs do a tremendous job.”

Boyett, a South Kingstown resident, also attributes the center’s achievements to the diversity of programming. The center offers a variety of instructional and recreational swim classes, aerobic, competition and health and safety programs at its four-lane warm water pool, diving pool and eight-lane competitive pool. The center also offers cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes and water quality and pool operations classes.

“There is an excitement in the program about what we offer,” said Boyett. “We offer something for everyone, and we are always looking to expand the programs we already have and to introduce new ones.”

URI is accustomed to being at the top in aquatics. In 2003 and 2005, it was named the Top Aquatics Program in the country by the United States Water Fitness Association. Also in 2003, the center was the recipient of the National Recreation and Parks Association Excellence in Aquatics Award and the Aquatics International Best University.

Boyett himself has been nationally recognized for his hard work. In 2002, he was voted One of the Very Best Top Aquatic Directors in the country by the United States Fitness Association and in 2003, he was named the Best University Manager by Aquatics International, a commercial and public swimming pool industries publication.