Reported by Reid Carlson.
The University of Texas just announced that Wyatt Collins was named assistant coach of Men’s Swimming & Diving in the fall of 2016, taking the vacancy left by long-time associate head coach Kris Kubik, who announced his retirement earlier this summer after 34 years as Eddie Reese’s second in command.
For Collins, the new job was really more like of a promotion; Collins served as a volunteer coach with the Texas men’s swim team for the previous three seasons, the last two of which ended in Texas winning the NCAA National Championships (runners-up in 2014). Previous to volunteering his time on deck he was a member of the Longhorns men’s swim team for one season (2011-2012), and before the University of Texas he swam two years at Boston University (2008-2010).
Collins cites Kubik as a mentor and credits him with for teaching him about recruiting, meet entries, team travel, and supervising team workouts. Outside of the job, Collins also credits Kubik with being a mentor and lending an ear for anything personal he was going through.
Before beginning as a volunteer assistant coach in 2013, Collins spent the summer of 2013 as an age group coach for Nitro Swimming, one of the most successful clubs in the country. In 2013 Collins earned a bachelor’s in history from the University of Texas where he was a two-time member of the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll. Collins is also an accomplished triathlete and 2016 Ironman (70.3) World Championships qualifier.
i think maybe Eddie picked someone that when he retires, this person won’t be looked on in a bad for not getting the job or for even being considered. just a thought.
I don’t think so. I don’t think Eddie would hire someone in whom he does not have complete confidence he can run the show 100%. Eddie is going to have more bad days (not getting any younger), like the one few months ago when he sat most of the meet around warm up pool while Wyatt run the meet. I am more and more convinced that Wyatt will replace him.
No way. Wyatt is unproven. Many, many proven coaches in the game with more experience ready to take over when Eddie leaves. I don’t think Wyatt will get any consideration from AD for head coach-not realistic.
The hire still baffles me. Kubik was an outstanding coach with years of experience. I like the fact that Eddie took a younger coach under his wing, but the transition seemed odd.
Transitions of that caliber must not be easy to facilitate , But Jack is talented and well trained . He has what it takes to be fine in 3 weeks time
Wyatt swam under Eddie and was a volunteer assistant for 3 years at Texas. Pretty sure Eddie would want someone who knows the Texas way and can keep the tradition going. Let’s also not forget that Wyatt is the son of John Collins, the legendary head coach of Badger Swim Club. Wyatt certainly comes from a coaching pedigree and has experience in the Longhorn way.
“Wyatt is the son of John Collins, the legendary head coach of Badger Swim Club.”
Wow, I had no idea! Fascinating, as John Collins of course coached Rick Carey, the great Longhorn backstroke who won 3 gold medals in 1984.
The other part that influences the attraction of bringing a younger coach on board is they tend to have a fresher take on what the college kids need to get better. The sport is constantly changing, and we are always finding new ways to get better. Perhaps by having someone who hasn’t been out of college swimming too long ago, he can bring that experience to the practices, although Eddie has been a very versatile coach and is always willing to try new things to help get his kids faster
I love these videos…BUT THAT INTRO AND OUTRO is nails on a chalk board. Especially in headphones.