Sweeney Takes Miami Swimming Reigns

April 9, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami athletic director PaulDee announced the appointment of James Sweeney as the Hurricanes? headmen’s and women’s swimming coach. Sweeney had served as interim headcoach of the UM program since October 1998.

“Coach Sweeney is very accomplished and brings a wealth of knowledgeand experience to our swimming teams, ” said Dee. “He has been anintegral part of the program for the last five seasons. His leadershipwill keep the Hurricanes among the nation?s top programs.”

Sweeney joined the Miami staff in 1994, serving as an assistantcoach for four years. During his tenure as interim head coach,Sweeney guided the Hurricane women to a 12-3-1 dual meet record, a thirdplace BIG EAST Conference finish, and a 17th place finish at the 1999 NCAASwimming & Diving Championship.

Prior to his arrival at Miami, Sweeney served as assistant men’sand women’s swim coach at the University of Massachusetts from 1992-94,where he guided the UMass men’s squad to consecutive New England titles.From 1991-92 Sweeney served as an assistant coach at Bernal’s Gator SwimClub.

A 1991 graduate of Indiana University, Sweeney set several schoolswimming records. He was a three-time NCAA All-American in the 1650-freestyle,and a BIG TEN Conference champion in the 500-and 1650-freestyle.

He currently holds school records in the 1000-and 1650-free.Sweeney received a Bachelor’s degree in history from IndianaUniversity in 1991, and a Master’s degree in sports management from theUniversity of Massachusetts in 1994.