umbc swim coach death

Frankly, I hold the university, UMBC entirely accountable. Chad was best known for his big smiles, jovial laughs, and unconditional love and support to those whose lives he touched. A lot of this was big time rumor mill kind of stuff, explained Dillon. James Sutherland | September 12th, 2022. Plus, he lifts weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The behavior was minimized around the team by referring to this behavior as just Chad., I felt powerless to do anything about it, one swimmer told The Sun regarding Cradocks harassment. There are no events scheduled. At least two swimmers allege that he discouraged them from making reports to the university. Get all the top news and sports from the baltimoresun.com. Both Dillon and Barrio were unable to state who out of athletics the threat was directed towards. Final. Its a culture all its own. It all continues into Saturday, a fact the swimmers understand and accept. But I will say, this moment, for as brief it is, is not currently about you. This is about swimming.. Former UMBC coach Chad Cradock has died, the team was told in a meeting on Sunday evening. We have met with our student athletes and provided them with crisis support and counseling resources. So sad that a man who was so loyal to UMBC was shown no compassion. He is bright and inquisitive and thoroughly understands the dynamics of a competitively successful team. By now, the story is well-known because it was the first time in the history of that tournament when a No. Even in Hungary, its very popular. Photo from The Retriever Archives. Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. At LIU, Donovan started with seven womens competitors in the fall of 2016 and opened the 2020-21 campaign with 29. I understand that there is some energy to do something about it. Lashing out at those who disagree with you about Coach Cradocks legacy is not doing something about it. Be a part of the solution, not the problem. Its all part of the game. I didnt go home for Christmas, but Chad invited me to his house, and I spent an amazing Christmas there, she says. And those of you who say you are defending the truth. According to the report, six of the male swimmers interviewed reported being touched in the genitals or buttocks; witnesses described observing others subjected to the same conduct. Two Retrievers- senior Caroline Sargent and junior Niklas Weigelt earned America East Swimmer of the Meet honors and freshman Oliver Gassmann was named the meet's Most Outstanding Rookie. Are you a faculty member that has seen this document? What is your credible source of proof for the statements you make? I understand that there is anger surrounding this death. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Baldwin called the UMBC report incomplete., It appears to have been limited in scope by UMBC to only the last couple years, said Baldwin, of the firm Baldwin Seraina. In the roughly year and a half since, the investigation has continued as student-athletes have grieved and grappled with Cradocks death and misconduct. Several male swimmers also reported Cradocks hugs from behind while they were wearing only their Speedos, along with attempted kisses and unwanted touching of their stomachs or chests, the report said. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, Schedule a Private Group Fitness Class or Workshop. For example, Wright wakes up at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and goes to practice from 6 to 8 a.m. from early September through February. This is about swimming.. The U.S. Department of Justice now appears to be looking into the UMBC investigation as part of its civil rights probe into the school's Title IX compl. For more information on Aquatic services and programs, click here. He became head coach in 2001, bringing with him a philosophy that emphasized the coaches working with the student-athletes and not dictating to them. Miller still holds the record for the 1,000-yard freestyle in the UMBC pool and was delighted to learn that the younger folks were aware of him. The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition since joining the league in 2003. USA Swimming had had him as a guest presenter twice for their webinar series that can be found on usaswimming.org. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program. UMBC was established upon the land of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. I have to live with this really dark secret thats the undertone of my four years. In 2001 he became the second head coach of the program, winning nine consecutive conference championships, including seven straight . I will always love you Chad, Rest In Peace. He then received a notice of investigation from UMBC on Dec. 24, 2020, and an amended version with two additional swimmers allegations on March 3, 2021, according to the Sun. What keeps them coming to the pool again and again? Rest In Peace Chad. We humbly offer our respects to all past, present, and future Indigenous people connected to this place. Woodard, MaryAnn Swimmers also spoke of how Cradock created a one-way funnel where the athletes would only bring issues to him, not upper university officials. Courtesy Chandler Swim & Dive. Cradock, who has three children of his own, certainly understands the parents feelings when they turn their swimmers over to him for four years. Trias, Niklas SwimSwam walking a fine line? I find this chat rather disgusting and the timing of some of these comments highly questionable. Brooks had raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death and without an opportunity for him to be interviewed. Matt is an excellent choice to lead UMBC as they continue their recent successes, said Salo. The only fake news is you knowing what youre taking about. Men's Swimming and Diving at University of Delaware October 8, 2022 11:00 AM. Theres a lot of respect out there for our program [world-wide], Cradock said. The mens team has earned 12 of the 13 America East Championships overall and three in a row since the conference reinstituted mens swimming and diving as a championship sport in the winter of 2018. Harding, Will Four days after UMBC sent out the amended notice, the university received word that Cradock had died by suicide. On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Chad G. Cradock of Odenton passed away. The investigators deemed the allegations were sufficiently serious for it to continue. You must be such a successful/good psychologist. For goodness sake who TF do you think you are to say that he should have consulted with his accusers before taking his own life. Oana Brooks, an attorney for Cradock, declined to comment for this story and said his family didnt wish to be interviewed. . Oana Brooks, Cradocks attorney, declined to comment but raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death. The exact scope of the Justice Departments investigation into UMBC is unclear, as are potential consequences for any wrongdoing identified. But Cradocks leadership included misconduct, UMBCs outside investigators wrote in their 105-page final report. More info here: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/more-women-come-forward-amid-umbc-baltimore-county-cover-up-allegations/. None of this would be possible without all of the amazing professors, advisors and support staff we have here at UMBC. Pieces of the report are quoted in the Baltimore Sun article and the SwimSwam article. Laracuente, Anders There are three points I would like to make as I see this comments section spiral: 1) Lots of people who knew and loved Chad are grieving. In one 2018 situation described in the report, Cradock was made aware of alleged Title IX violations, including stalking and verbal abuse, by one of his swimmers. Cradock and the team are enjoying their successes and the extra attention that comes with it. He also ran into other former Retriever swimmers recently at an event that UMBC hosted in New York City at the One World Observatory. He swam with UMBC from 1993 to 1996 and still keeps in touch with some from the program, especially when he makes it back to campus. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Four days after receiving the amended notice, the university was told that Cradock had died by suicide. Wright won gold in 1 meter and 3 meter dives and was named Most Outstanding Diver of the Meet, while Cradock and his coaches were named the mens and womens Coaching Staff of the Year. The workouts are long and laborious. To the victim making up FAKE NEWS- STOP; Stop what you are doing right now. "We are encouraged by the past two days. Chad graduated from St. Josephs High School in Ontario, Canada in 1992. The report quotes one swimmer telling interviewers their reaction to the investigation was about time and another saying they couldnt name who Cradock touched because there were so many, adding, It became normal and it never should have been normalized.. The team won numerous America East Conference titles during his tenure, including four consecutive mens and four of the last six womens at the time of his resignation. The UMBC mens and womens swimming and diving programs have won plenty in their own righteven if most people dont realize it. He led it to numerous. The women's squad placed second in both meets. Visit umbc.edu/swimming for a first-hand look at what it took to do our DIY underwater photo shoot. Chad came to UMBC as a student athlete in 1993 and earned his . Moro is trying to represent Egypt there while senior mechanical engineering major and Meyerhoff Scholar. According to a. How do you know there is a seven page document spelling everything out? Your words are evil, you are hurting grieving heartbroken innocent children and a family that is devastated. WEB EXTRA: Our photographer, Marlayna Demond 11, will do almost anything to get her shot even submerse herself and her camera. Theres a seven page document spelling out everything that Chad did. You along with these clowns passing judgement and making accusations without a single bit of publicly available evidence, is sickening. In every single semester under Donovan, the Sharks have earned CSCAA Academic Honors. Earlier that season, Donovan was named Coach of the Meet at the ECAC Championships, as he led the Sharks to a second-place finish. Men's Swimming and Diving at NJIT Invitational October 14, 2022 5:00 p.m. Cradock, who was 47 at the time of his death, served as head coach of UMBC's swimming and diving team for 19 seasons. , all of whom work to create an environment where the swimmers and divers feel at home and are comfortable throughout the daunting schedule swimming requires. A university investigation into University of Maryland, Baltimore Countys swim coach of nearly two decades began in late 2020 following several swimmers reports of misconduct. I do not feel sorry for you ifRead more . Many of Cradocks swimmers stay in touch long after commencement, often giving back to the program as a way of showing their commitment. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 It isnt fake news. Students told university officials that Chad Cradock inappropriately touched male swimmers, discriminated against female teammates and mishandled Title IX reports, putting students in dangerous situations, according to documents reviewed by The Baltimore Sun. He also mentioned that the family atmosphere Cradock and his coaches created gives him help in many ways in and out of the pool. So, whats the secret to this powerhouse squads success? Its unclear whether its related to the swim team. Henrickson, Samuel The swimmers and divers work through a long and tough regimen all season to earn those championship banners, something they all take pride in. Cradock, who had been ordered by the school to have no contact with student-athletes and stay off campus amidst the investigation weeks earlier, abruptly resigned in December 2020. Employees can access support through the. Gliese set a school and conference record for the 200 backstroke (1 minute, 42.56 seconds in a preliminary race) and later took home a gold medal in the event. Chad Cradock, who left his position as the head coach of the UMBC swimming & diving team in December after 19 years, has died. He was also the head coach of the Retriever Aquatic Club, where his children currently swim. Cleary you know nothing about mental health to even make a ludicrous comment like that regarding suicide. Morales, Ryan document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Americans are always making things out to be black or white, that someone is either bad or good, wrong or right. He led it to numerous conference title wins for the mens and womens teams. 2021-2022 Practice Schedule & Coaching Assignments Join your RAC teammates and Swim Across America Consider joining Team Racing Against Cancer (RAC) at the 9/19/21 Swim Across America event to help raise money to fund cancer research and support our friend and teammate, Garrett Brown. There are a lot of degenerates out there, and its disconcerting how many find their way into our sport. I guess you never really know what the true story is. Fisher, Meghan Chad was no exception. It is currently unclear what UMBC is facing regarding the Justice Departments Title IX investigation, though its possible a monetary settlement will be reached along with mandated improvement measures, like those instated in the recent case at San Jose State. Seems like they cant come to grips that the man they knew and loved could be so horrific to others despite evidence being proven. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. The Retrievers certainly did what they planned for when taking the mens and womens team titles in the February 2019 America East championships in Worcester, Massachusetts. UMBC Director of Athletics Brian Barrio named Matt Donovan to lead the men's and women's swimming and diving programs as the Retrievers' head coach in March of 2021. Investigators also found Cradock created a hostile environment based on sex by failing to properly report alleged Title IX violations involving members of his team, such as sexual misconduct, assault, stalking or relationship violence. All rights reserved. Hey SwimCoachPsychologistspeaking peer to peer as Im also a psychologist, you should know better than to weigh in on a situation where you dont have first exposure or interface with the issue. It is the first ECAC Winter Championship title for Columbia women's swimming. Have some compassion. He was one of the universitys most fiercely loyal employees. UMBC has won four of the past six America East womens titles and the past four mens titles. the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award as a senior. Haniawho has fallen in love with bagels while at UMBC and wants to open a bagel store when she goes back to her home countryjust set the school record in the 1650 free at the America East 2018 title meet. But it is NOT your Swim Swam call. Attorney Rignal Baldwin V represents five of the six swimmers named in the report as those whose complaints prompted the investigation. Dressler, Jimmy Its called affirming a disjunct and its why this either/or logic is silly. Lolly, I completely agree with you. Gold Clubs have a U.S. Masters Swimming-certified coach on staff, participate in fitness events, and offer a free trial to potential members, among many other benefits. What many dont realize is the grind the Retrievers endure to find all of their success, Cradock says. Cradock said one moment that they all enjoyed recently came after winning the America East championship and the team returned to campus. You even let me come babysit Amanda! A final investigative report, completed July 11 by attorneys from an outside law firm hired by UMBC, found Cradock engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile environment, in violation of the universitys discrimination policy. Students described a lack of attention at practices, less sympathetic treatment for injuries and different enforcement of team rules, including consequences for drinking. Within minutes, police responded to the call and determined that no threat had been made. And year after year, the program broadens its family of alumni. Cradock resigned abruptly in December 2020, weeks after hed been ordered by the university to have no contact with student-athletes and stay off campus, documents show. In the men's championship, UMBC scored 3,075.5 points to beat Long Island University by 1896 points. Cradock, who was 47 at the time of his death, was the head coach of the swimming & diving team at UMBC for 19 seasons, having begun his tenure back in 2001. If we were in Australia, swimming would be the number one. Elijah Wright , a diver from Baltimore, says the Retriever swimmers and divers put in the foundational hard work to find their success. I dont know if I would have seen the same success or not [somewhere else].. Many people can have a positive experience with him while others had terrible ones. hopes to make it with Denmark, the country he was born in before growing up in nearby Howard County. UMBC also has a chance for two others to earn spots in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. UMBC Athletics' CORE values are: Growth, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork [] 1. That UMBC has remained silent, to me, suggests all sorts of things. Skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, perseverance, tenacity, facing fears, as well as physical and mental strength are nurtured and cultivated while learning differentand more difficult dives at every level and cheering on teammates throughout the process. You guys are blaming them for his death. 20 athletes coming forward isnt fake news. The mens team won 10 consecutive conference titles from 2002-2011. The former coach allegedly touched numerous male swimmers in their genitals, investigators found. And theyve done this largely without the fanfare received by more popular sports. Beloved husband of Christie Cradock; devoted father of Amanda, Geoffrey, and CJ; loving son of Brian G. Cradock; caring brother of Stacey Cradock; Chad was predeceased by his mother Patricia Cradock.

Born in Ontario, Canada, his love of swimming started as a child at Camp Chikopi in Magnetawan, Ontario. I trust him so much. became the head swimming and diving coach in 2001. realize is the grind the Retrievers endure to find all of their success, Cradock says. He worked under United States Olympic coaches Dr. David Salo and Catherine Vogt and helped prepare the Chinese National Team for the 2018 Asian Championships. UMBC and the new AD Brian Barrio are at the root of the problem. Somebody says hey, its OK to have a bad day. Im still [getting better]. UMBC Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving UMBC Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving, a member of the America East conference, aspires to be a nationally recognized Division I program that develops champions in athletics, academics and life, while building community wide traditions and pride. It takes a lot for someone to step forward. The firm has billed UMBC $328,992 since January 2021 for its services on this investigation, according to the school. We are well-respected internationally. We enjoy the sportand were not doing it to be famous or anything, says Hania Moro, a senior financial economics major from Egypt. Cradock, 46, became UMBCs second-ever swimming and diving head coach in 2001 after swimming for the school in the 1990s and then serving as an assistant coach. Students described their confusion and questions about the findings of the law firms report for UMBC. That, combined with the transfer to UMBC and her respect for Cradock and his coaches, has made her a better swimmer. Bennici, Max The report acknowledged that at least two swimmers alleged Cradock discouraged them from making reports to the university and found Cradock violated his no-contact order by texting some swimmers. He is a great fit for our UMBC community and I'm excited to connect a leader like Matt with the superb student-athletes we have at UMBC.. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a logical fallacy happening here a lot in the comments. I felt powerless to do anything about it, he told The Sun. Growing up at UMBC, so to speak, the team has become a second family for Cradock. The women's squad has captured four of the past seventitles, including a resounding victory in 2019. Women's Lacrosse Pulls Away from Mount St. Mary's at Home, 15-10. Dwyer, Oliver 2) There was an ongoing Title IX investigation into potential wrongdoing. He is also a guest author for the United States Masters Swimming on-line magazine. The Sharks just concluded the 2020-21 season and the inaugural men's team took second place overall, while the women finished third (highest in program history). That our institutions both neglect athletes and turn their back on their coaches is despicable. They knew who I was, and it was definitely really cool to know that after all these years, that I still hold some sort of presence thereI was still on the record booksso that sort of helped, he says with a laugh. Coaching with Cradock now are Chris Gibeau 93, biological science; Nikola Trajkovic 18, financial economics; and Elyse Gibson-Clegg 06, sociology, along with diving coach Petar Trifonov, all of whom work to create an environment where the swimmers and divers feel at home and are comfortable throughout the daunting schedule swimming requires. Its the most-watched sport in the Olympic Games.. Also no one is making him a martyr we are all mourning someone who made a huge positive impact in our lives, celebrating his life. Unfortunately being forced to defend him against unfounded accusations. My heart goes out to his poor wife and children who I pray are able to make it through this horrible tragedy. He was just the second head coach in program history, serving in that role from 2001 to late 2020. 16 seed beat a No. Sorry for those kids and sorry for his family. The only person who killed Chad, was Chad. That means team shout-outs on birthdays and creating spaces where athletes can talk with coaches on a regular basis about problems in swimming, classes, and life. Good people can do bad things. Its become a lot easier that were more respected in the athletic world because of what they did. The UMBC community was still reeling from accusations that their administration covered up sex crimes. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. Ever sit through criminal trials of swim coaches of your own children? He also created a perception, they said, of being close to top school officials. Per the report, Chen had arranged to meet with a . Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. But the investigators the university hired wrote that only documents they relied upon were attached, without addressing whether any others existed. SwimSwam Magazines are big, coming in at nearly a pound per issue. Others disagree. Investigators also found that Cradock created a hostile environment based on sex within the team, alleging his failure to report things such as sexual misconduct, assault, stalking or relationship violence. I was a shy young girl who couldnt keep eye contact. All of Retriever Nation should be extremely proud of this model program.. Born in Ontario, Canada, his love of swimming started as a child at Camp Chikopi in Magnetawan, Ontario. It motivates you every single day; you have somebody there whos pushing you or you have somebody whos there when youre not having the greatest day, Gliese said. There is a very real phenomenon where people who are pondering suicide see other suicides and the outpouring of love and beatification drives them into the same. Places like the. Nobody said that they were going to come to campus to commit a violent act, said Chief of Police Paul Dillon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, looking into the universitys compliance with federal rules barring gender discrimination, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. [Being a student athlete is] hard in general, but what Ive tried to do have the swim team become part of my family so that nobody kind of resents each other, Cradock says. That swimmers attorney, Naomi Shatz of Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, said her clients college experience was destroyed by Coach Cradock.. Central to her complaint is Chad Cradock, a longtime UMBC swim coach who died by suicide in March 2021 amid a widening investigation into allegations he inappropriately touched male swimmers,. When a young person becomes a member of the Retriever Aquatic Club, he/she learns the values of sportsmanship and team work. Thank you for speaking up. The UMBC program has a great national and international reputation and I am humbled to be a part of it, said Donovan.I am grateful to UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, Athletics Director Brian Barrio, and the entire search committee for all of the time and energy put into this process.. Moro broke the school record in the 1650 freestyle and won a gold medal in that event. According to the report by the outside law firm, one swimmer alerted UMBC employees about inappropriate behavior in mid-2019. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they do weights from 6:15 to 7 a.m., then swimming drills, kicking technique, and recovery (7 to 7:45 a.m.). When she competed in the 100 butterfly on August 6she still remembers the dateshe said, with a smile, my dad came to see me, [and when] I found him, he was still crying. Our mission is to teach athletes transferablelife skills through the sport of diving. Logas, Collin There were dozens and dozens of teammates who corroborated stories and were interviewed even though they were not part of the 6 named. When you walk into the pool area, you see all the banners, and you would think thats just decoration if you didnt see all the hard work we put in each and every day, Wright says. This comment section is getting dark. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. Gude, Ryan Another thing that might surprise those new to the sport is the level of international competition the Retriever swimmers and divers engage in throughout the yearincluding the most watched competition of all, the Olympics. Gassmann, Luke I wonder why, if this account is true, there are only 5 current swimmers willing to speak against a coach that has been heavily involved in the lives of more than a thousand athletes over 20 years. These personal touches help draw the swimmers closer as a group. We do it because we love it, Cradock says. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. Its a connection that goes far beyond the pennants and tailgating of other sports. , is now a corporate lawyer in New York. I think it has a lot of effect, and it starts with name recognition, Cradock said. Malone, Jackie Gliese is a two-time captain at UMBC and the Danish national record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. Its likely the Justice Department investigation will examine UMBCs response to allegations against Cradock and its investigatory process. Students in need of grief counseling or emotional support can contact the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at 410-455-3230. But investigators wrote there wasnt enough evidence Cradock retaliated against swimmers, in part because there wasnt evidence of specific adverse action.. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. The investigation continued in the time since, and a final investigative report was completed on July 11 by attorneys from an outside law firm hired by UMBC.