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. 1. goodthe sound of their stroke is smooth and quiet. 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. And theyve done this largely without the fanfare received by more popular sports. You even let me come babysit Amanda! The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. Unfortunately being forced to defend him against unfounded accusations. Even though I like your point that UMBC and their athletic department has let everyone down, I do believe swam swam isnt swim swam or representing them and so they arent involved in the discussion! Oana Brooks, Cradocks attorney, declined to comment but raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death. Insane to me as a fellow America East swammer the UMBC swimmers always seemed to love their coach. We provide you four massive print issues designed to sit on your coffee table like a piece of artwork. Places like the New York Times, Washington Post, and ESPN suddenly wanted to know not just what the letters UMBC meant, but everything about the basketball program and school. I have to live with this really dark secret thats the undertone of my four years. Its called affirming a disjunct and its why this either/or logic is silly. By now, the story is well-known because it was the first time in the history of that tournament when a No. Its simple: They dont do it for the splash. I will forever cherish my time on the UMBC swim and dive team and that is mostly from Chads exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the team he loved. Matt brings the experience, work ethic, and integrity that this program will need to continue its growth into national prominence, Barrio said. That swimmers attorney, Naomi Shatz of Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, said her clients college experience was destroyed by Coach Cradock.. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County police department received a call from UMBC Athletics at 12:01 p.m. today saying a threat had been made against members of the athletic community. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. I find this chat rather disgusting and the timing of some of these comments highly questionable. For junior economics major Sotia Neophytou, who came to UMBC this year from Cyprus (a 30-hour trek to Catonsville), the family spirit shined especially bright around the holidays. 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. The former coach allegedly touched numerous male swimmers in their genitals, investigators found. AttorneyRignal Baldwin V represents five of the six swimmers named in the report. LIU held a 51-point lead over Monmouth entering Sunday . Rest In Peace Chad. It takes a lot for someone to step forward. 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. He is a native of Serbia, where he was the Serbian National Champion (20 times) and national record holder in 200 and 400 meter IM. In my experience, had regulated swim bodies paid closer attention to complaints brought forward by athletes and parents, I suspect criminalRead more . He was one of the universitys most fiercely loyal employees. Unfortunately a man that many had loved is gone. Your country and my country both have the rule of law, due process and doctrines of innocent until proven guilty. 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. In 2001 he became the second head coach of the program, winning nine consecutive conference championships, including seven straight . Your words are evil, you are hurting grieving heartbroken innocent children and a family that is devastated. Swimmers also reportedly told investigators that Cradock was disengaged with the womens team, with a lack of attention at practices, less sympathetic treatment for injuries and different of team enforcement of team rules all mentioned in interviews in the report. They said they were confused by shifting points of contact and a change in how Cradocks actions were being examined. Moro is trying to represent Egypt there while senior mechanical engineering major and Meyerhoff Scholar. 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. Dear Swim Swam. I have to live with this really dark secret thats the undertone of my four years. "Their level of achievement in the pool is only heightened by how successful they are in the classroom. He also mentioned that the family atmosphere Cradock and his coaches created gives him help in many ways in and out of the pool. He received his bachelor's degree in social sciences from KSC and went on to earn a master's in education from the University of Phoenix in 2004. The Justice Department declined to comment for this story. at NJIT Invitational. Its likely the Justice Department investigation will examine UMBCs response to allegations against Cradock and its investigatory process. There were scores of witnesses who were not interviewed. UMBC has about 65 swimmers total on this years championship teams, and its a very diverse group with athletes from around the globe. UMBC Athletics and the broader campus community are deeply saddened by the passing of retired UMBC Swimming and Diving Coach Chad Cradock 97. I was a shy young girl who couldnt keep eye contact. UMBC is also under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education relating to a sexual violence report, though its unclear if that relates to the swim team and Cradock. 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. Final. A decorated swimmer in his own right, Donovan was a two-time captain of the Keene State (N.H.) College squad, qualified for the conference championship each season, made ECAC's twice, and helped break multiple team relay records. The Justice Department investigation is expected to examine UMBCs response to the allegations against Cradock, while swimmers are currently considering their options regarding any potential lawsuits. Bothteams earned CSCAA2021 Fall Scholar All-America team honors. Its become a lot easier that were more respected in the athletic world because of what they did. For whatever victims there are, I am really sorry for you, and I also hope that you are courageous enough to continue to speak out against whatever happened. Chad is amazing, and he knows what hes doing. According to the report by the outside law firm, one swimmer alerted UMBC employees about inappropriate behavior in mid-2019. What can they do? Coleman, Zach 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. We had SO MUCH FUN!! The women's squad placed second in both meets. Thank you for speaking up. 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. Chad graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Ontario, Canada in 1992. And those of you who say you are defending the truth. He was 47 years old. 2022-23 Men's Basketball Single Game Tickets, 2022-23 Women's Basketball Single Game Tickets, Faculty/Staff/Student Basketball Single Game Tickets, 2022-23 Women's Basketball Season Tickets, TicketSmarter- Official Ticket Resale Marketplace of UMBC Outdoor Sports, Hide/Show Additional Information For Tiago Asakawa, Hide/Show Additional Information For Charles Bennici, Hide/Show Additional Information For Max Casey-Bolanos, Hide/Show Additional Information For J.J. 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"We are all so proud of these tremendously talented young people," said Donovan. Growing up at UMBC, so to speak, the team has become a second family for Cradock. I dont think I can ever have a normal college experience.. A footnote on the reports final page stated it does not appear assistant coaches made proper Title IX reports, despite witnesses indicating they disclosed pertinent information to them. Will that ever be released? The UMBC Police chief said the department looked into an anonymous 2015 complaint against Cradock about a hidden camera in a locker, but could not find any truth to it. Chief Bruce Perry said that was the only criminal complaint or investigation by his department related to Cradock. That our institutions both neglect athletes and turn their back on their coaches is despicable. It isnt fake news. , who came to UMBC this year from Cyprus (a 30-hour trek to Catonsville), the family spirit shined especially bright around the holidays. 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. Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. Nigro comes to Baltimore from. Somebody says hey, its OK to have a bad day. Im still [getting better]. UMBC is also under an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, the departments website shows, related to a sexual violence report. We enjoy the sportand were not doing it to be famous or anything, says Hania Moro, a senior financial economics major from Egypt. Head Swim Coach 2670 ccrado1@gl.umbc.edu: Vic Corbin: Head Diving Coach 3173 retrievers@umbc.edu: Mary Anne Gerzanick Asst. 2023 University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Malone, Jackie Its unclear whether its related to the swim team. There are multiple witnesses of a few specific swimmers asking alumni and teammates to lie about Cradock leading up to this lawsuit. UMBC swimmers told The Sun that Justice Department civil rights investigators asked about the universitys communication during the investigation and any accommodations they were provided. Our mission is to teach athletes transferablelife skills through the sport of diving. All of Retriever Nation should be extremely proud of this model program.. Cradock spent 19 seasons as the head coach of the mens & womens swimming & diving teams at UMBC, or the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Humans are imperfect creatures by nature, capable of making great accomplishments and great mistakes alike. Former Chandler High swim coach Bob Chen died by suicide Aug. 8, 48 hours after he was arrested in Mesa as part of a large East Valley human-trafficking sting that . He was then appointed head coach in 2001 and spent 19 years leading the programs. That UMBC has remained silent, to me, suggests all sorts of things. Brooks had raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death and without an opportunity for him to be interviewed. Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. Neale, Dani But I will say, this moment, for as brief it is, is not currently about you. After graduating in 1997, he became an assistant swimming and diving coach and was appointed head coach in 2001. Dwyer, Oliver For years, the UMBC swimming and diving team has been quietly winning its way into university history. Sustained success is one of the most difficult things to accomplish on the Division I level, said Tim Hall, director of athletics, physical education, and recreation. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Power dynamics, the backlash you may receive when reporting, and the potential that no one will believe you. Gliese is a two-time captain at UMBC and the Danish national record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. Men's Swimming and Diving at University of Delaware October 8, 2022 11:00 AM. Building a solid environment to compete, thats for this program, and its. 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. 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.. Swimmers in recent months also have been interviewed by U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigators looking into the universitys compliance with federal rules barring gender discrimination in education. Lets not let our emotions shape our arguments. Its all part of the game. This is what UMBC Swimming and Diving programs have achieved under the leadership of Chad and his staff. The LIU Sharks scored 1179.5 points as runners up, nudging ahead of third-place Monmouth University (1178). 1. Welsh, Matt Asakawa, Charles I trust him so much. All rights reserved. With your yearly subscription, you receive over 600 of pages of swimmings highest quality print content, and another 3000+ pages of digital issues, going back to the first issue produced. Men's Swimming and Diving. If you were a real psychologist, you would identify yourself; moreover, a psychologist would not be making such ignorant remarks. He also broke the America East record in the 100 backstroke. 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.). Everybodys had such a hard week, said Barrio, referring to the recent death of retired swim and dive coach Chad Cradock and the impact it has had on the swim and dive team and the broader Athletics community. Its a connection that goes far beyond the pennants and tailgating of other sports. After the 2015-2016 season, Cradock was named the CCSA Coach of the Year, and after the 2017-2018 season Cradock and his staff were named Coaching Staff of the Year in both seasons. Under his direction, the men's staff earned 2021-22 America East Coaching Staff of the Year. Jyawook, Gabe 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. Nobody said that they were going to come to campus to commit a violent act, said Chief of Police Paul Dillon. I was so committed to the UMBC program I stayed on campus over the summer and trained with RAC. Chad was best known for his big smiles, jovial laughs, and unconditional love and support to those whose lives he touched. In the meantime, personal expressions of sympathy may be sent to Christie Cradock at 1412 Macfree Court, Odenton, MD 21113. Theres a lot of respect out there for our program [world-wide], Cradock said. You made an effort with me and helped me grow up. In every single semester under Donovan, the Sharks have earned CSCAA Academic Honors. Title IX reports included as exhibits in the UMBC investigation range from that swimmers anonymous 2019 report to an email sent to the athletic director in October 2020 describing favoritism and failure by Cradock to properly handle Title IX complaints, to a flurry of reports in December 2020 after Cradock was removed from campus. I didnt go home for Christmas, but Chad invited me to his house, and I spent an amazing Christmas there, she says. The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition since joining the league in 2003. And their investigation didnt delve into possible wrongdoing by any other coaches or administrators. Both are within range to qualify and will be spending plenty of time this year focusing on that goal. Baltimore, Md.- Brandt Nigro joins the UMBC Swimming and Diving staff as an assistant coach for 2014-15, head coach Chad Cradock announced this week. Its fine to argue, but dont invalidate someone elses experience with elementary . It was a moment in the sun on their own campus, one that doesnt happen often with this sport. 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. He is a native of Serbia, where he was the Serbian National Champion (20 times) and national record holder in 200 and 400 meter IM. 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,. What is your credible source of proof for the statements you make? This is a year-round gig for the coaches, who often arrive on campus at 6 a.m. and stay until 7:30 p.m., with six to eight more hours on Saturday, plus other work on Sunday. This is about swimming.. The UMBC mens and womens swimming and diving programs have won plenty in their own righteven if most people dont realize it. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chad G. Cradock please visit our,

On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Chad G. Cradock of Odenton passed away. Originally from Barrie, Ontario, Chad came to UMBC on a swimming and diving scholarship. Pavlou, Nicholas Per the report, Chen had arranged to meet with a . 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. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. Logas, Collin . In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Chads name to a charity of your choice. In interviews, students described feeling left in the dark for much of the lengthy investigation on behalf of the university. Dressler, Jimmy But Cradocks leadership included misconduct, UMBCs outside investigators wrote in their 105-page final report. 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 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). The mission of the Retriever Aquatic Club is: to develop Champions in Swimming and in Life while creating a safe and positive learning environment. Sorry for those kids and sorry for his family. His dedication to the sport earned Chad a scholarship on the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s men’s team in which he competed as a long-distance freestyle swimmer. 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. Miller says that he remembers his swimming days at UMBC where there were just about a dozen swimmers on the team. Tolba, Max Employees can access support through the. What? Moro also earned the Dave Alexander Coaches Award, for the senior who gets the most points during the meet. Moro is trying to represent Egypt there while senior mechanical engineering major and Meyerhoff Scholar Alexander Gliese hopes to make it with Denmark, the country he was born in before growing up in nearby Howard County. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. Way to use your credentials to self-aggrandize and speak waaaaay outside of your expertise. No one needs to hear each others opinions. 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. Cradock and his wife Christie had 3 children. [UMBC was] the big story last year.. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. The real victims here are the three children who will never see their dad again. Cradock and the team are enjoying their successes and the extra attention that comes with it. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning. In becoming the 10th coach in program history, the 53-year-old Ferry brings 20 years of experience as a head coach at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels, compiling a 325-279 mark. His tenure as the programs head coach ended in December after a leave of absence, with the school having announced the move as both a retirement and a resignation.. 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. 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. He was 47 years old. 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. The team culture around Cradocks behavior was to minimize it as just Chad, according to swimmers interviewed by The Sun. 2023 University of Maryland, Baltimore County. So sad that a man who was so loyal to UMBC was shown no compassion. In the roughly year and a half since, the investigation has continued as student-athletes have grieved and grappled with Cradocks death and misconduct. at NJIT Invitational. Meanwhile, swimmers told investigators that Cradock was disengaged with the womens team, according to the reports summaries of interviews. Even in Hungary, its very popular. What our countries dont have is an independent, safe, unbiased system for athletes to report abuse by coaches. As this is an open matter, Winnick wrote, it would not be appropriate for the University to provide additional details.. Prior to coming to UMBC, Donovan hadserved as the head womens swimming coach at Long Island University since the fall of 2016. He took over the mens program as well when the university added the sport in the spring of 2020. I felt powerless to do anything about it, one swimmer told The Sun regarding Cradocks harassment.. At LIU, Donovan started with seven womens competitors in the fall of 2016 and opened the 2020-21 campaign with 29. We know this is an especially difficult time for his family and our swimming and diving community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences. 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. Get your evening news in your e-mail inbox. Casey-Bolanos, J.J. Sometime later, he arranged a surprise meeting, forcing her to sit across from my abuser, she said. 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. We do it because we love it, Cradock says. You must be brain dead to make a statement like that. Its probably tripled in one year the amount of people that reached out to the swimming program. 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. We treat them the way we would want our kids to be treated wherever they went.. One student said in an interview with The Sun that he felt betrayed by UMBC. Attorney Rignal Baldwin V represents five of the six swimmers named in the report as those whose complaints prompted the investigation. 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. 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. Pieces of the report are quoted in the Baltimore Sun article and the SwimSwam article. Chad graduated in 1997 and decided to remain a Retriever, coaching with both the Retriever Aquatic Club and as the assistant swimming and diving coach at UMBC.  He was then appointed head coach in 2001 and spent 19 years leading the programs.  Chad was best known for his big smiles, jovial laughs, and unconditional love and support to . More info here: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/more-women-come-forward-amid-umbc-baltimore-county-cover-up-allegations/. UMBC was established upon the land of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples.