UM to Honor Former Head Coach Bill Diaz before Meet against FAU

Nov. 4, 2004

Coral Gables, Fla. – The University of Miami swimming and diving team will honor retired head coach Bill Diaz in a pre-meet ceremony Friday afternoon at 3:45 pm at the Norman Whitten Student Union Pool. The Hurricanes will take on in-state rival Florida Atlantic following the ceremony at 4:00 pm.

Miami’s swimming and diving squad along with head coach Mariusz Podkoscielny and members of the alumni began a fundraising campaign last summer to fund a poolside electronic scoreboard in Diaz’s honor. An inscription on the new scoreboard will read “In honor of Coach Bill Diaz.”

“He put Miami on the map in swimming,” said Podkoscielny. “He elevated the program to a national stage and he’s done so many wonderful things for University of Miami swimming and diving programs.”

Under Diaz’s guidance the Hurricanes recorded 11 Top 20 NCAA finishes, including five Top 10 finishes with three consecutive ninth place finishes from 1974-1976. Miami was also able to achieve three Independent National titles, taking the men’s top honor in 1974, 1977 and 1982. Diaz led the women’s team to an AIAW National Championship in 1975. He also led the Hurricanes to 14 individual national titles.

Diaz coached a total of 36 All-Americans swimmers including Olympians Matt Gribble, Jesse Vassallo and David Wilkie.

Diaz was honored by the University of Miami when he was inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame in 1984.

Schedule of Events

3:45 pm – Dedication Ceremony

4:00 pm – Miami vs. Florida Atlantic

200-yard Medley Relay
1650-yard Freestyle
200-yard Freestyle
100-yard Backstroke
100-yard Breaststroke
200-yard Butterfly
50-yard Freestyle
1-meter Diving
100-yard Freestlye
200-yard Backstroke
200-yard Breaststroke
500-yard Freestyle
100-yard Butterfly
3-meter Diving
200-yard Individual Medley
400-yard Freestyle Relay