On SwimSwam Podcast, we’re giving you an in-depth listen at all things swimming. Host Coleman Hodges welcomes guests and guest co-hosts alike to get perspective on our ever-changing swimming universe and break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
We sat down with the Texas men’s assistant coach, Wyatt Collins, to pick his brain about the extremely storied Texas Tradition. Collins talks us through his own swimming career, coming to Texas as a swimmer, learning the Texas way through being a volunteer coach for 3 seasons, and finally what led to him being the assistant to current head coach Eddie Reese.
Wyatt admits that over the last 2 seasons, he’s learned to step out of the shadow of legendary associate head coach Kris Kubik, and make the Texas Tradition his own. That seems to be one reason why Austin Katz described this last year’s team as “the weirdest we’ve ever been”, in a good way. According to Collins, this included lots of very bad jokes being told before practice, singing during practice, and even a cricket-hunting competition outside of practice.
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Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Thanks Coleman for taking time during the interview and letting Wyatt tell his story we all wanted to hear. That was a remarkable interview. I like that Wyatt is following Eddie’s “don’t start me talking, I’ll tell everything I know” way of communicating not only with swimmers but also with parents, media, and fans. People are mentioning Hansen and Crocker as possible head coaches once Eddie decides to retire his speedo, but I do not believe for a second that Eddie is not grooming Wyatt to replace him.
Wyatt’s love for Longhorns is infectious. You can also see at practices and meets how much swimmers love to be around him. It is impossible to replace Eddie and Kubik, but… Read more »
Thanks Coleman, this was really interesting. I know lots of young coaches that are thinking about making the jump from club to college. It was interesting to hear about how his time as a volunteer worked. I would love to hear more coaches talk about their journey through the ranks to becoming college coaches, especially those that didn’t quite have the pedigree of a world champion etc.
I’m assuming Wyatt will likely take over as HC in a few years when Eddie retires. I’m interested in seeing what recruits do and how they will approach a Texas team without Eddie. The tradition has been so great the last 40 or so years, and I’m sure Wyatt will do a great job at taking over and keeping the team strong! However, we will just have to wait and see if the top recruits continue to head to Austin year in and year out once that happens. I have a feeling they will continue to get top guys, but recruiting tactics may have to change a bit.
Genuine question – do you have any basis for this assumption? I think it’s quite possible Texas would bring a “brand name” coach. They certainly have the resources to do it.
It’s not a matter of dollars or resources at Texas, it’s a matter of culture. Eddie will almost certainly be able to choose his successor. There are many ex-Texas swimmers who are now coaches, and who would make viable candidates, too. But, no doubt, Wyatt is the leading candidate.
Ian Crocker would be my favorite. He certainly has the pedigree and has a remarkable ability to connect with his athletes.