A native of Poland, Krystyna Wieczerzak is a junior on the Wright State Swimming & Diving team, and a Swimming & Diving correspondent for the HLN Blog.
Last week, our head coach Sion Brinn, shared some very sad information with us. Matt Liddy, former Head coach of the Wright State Swimming and Diving team, passed away on Monday, January 25th. Matt was a very remarkable person. Nobody else at Wright State University knew so much about the swimming and diving team as he did, and nobody else was as devoted to our team as he was. He started his coaching career in 1985 as the assistant coach. From 1989 through 2005 he was the head coach, and during that time the Raiders won seven conference titles on the men's side and nine on the women's side. He was named the league's Coach of the Year 11 times. He created a great tradition for Wright State's swimming and diving program.
In 2005 he became an assistant Athletic Director. Despite the new job, Matt was still involved in Wright State swimming and diving. Even though he did not spend too much time around the pool, he knew us all. He was our greatest fan and supporter. Our team owes him a lot, starting from our records board. He was "our man" in the Athletic Department. However, I will remember him as an man that was always smiling and honest. In fact, he told me before my final heat freshman year, "Krystyna, I don't think that you can win it. I know it." I always appreciated his honesty, among his many qualities.
The dual meet against Xavier last Saturday was very special. During this meet we had the great pleasure to witness the introduction of the three new members of the "Wright Sate Swimming and Diving Wall of Fame". Kristin Cusimano competed for Wright State from 1995-1999. She was four-time Horizon League champion in 500 Freestyle and 1650 Freestyle. In 1996 she was named the League Newcomer of the Year and two years later; the League Swimmer of the Year. Jackie Dexter competed from 2000-2004. She was four-time League champion in 100 Butterfly. In 2001 she was named the League Newcomer of the Year. In 2003 she was named both the League Swimmer of the Year Athlete of the Year. Her senior year she was named the League Swimmer of the Year. She is also the current school record holder in 100 Butterfly. The last, but not least, inductee this year was current Head Diving Coach, Liyi Wang. During his coaching career at Wright State he's had two Men's 1-Meter League champions, three Men's 3-Meter League champions, nine Women's 1-Meter League champions, seven Women's 3-Meter League champions, and four women named Horizon League Diver of the Year. Liyi Wang is not only a great coach, but also an amazing person who is often an inspiration for us.
The other reason why this meet was so special is that it was the last homecoming meet before the Horizon League Championships. For some on our team, it was the last homecoming meet ever. There are only three weeks left before The Horizon League Championships, but for our seniors it means something else—only three more weeks of college swimming & diving ever. These six great athletes: T.J Collins, Nathan Demchuk, Stevie DiMaso, Danny Munoz, Ana Rubin, and Candace Thornburg are on the last lap of their collegiate careers. The team will never be the same without them. I hope they will remember the time spent together during never-ending practices. I know that it was not always enjoyable, pleasant, or nice. Sometimes the set was tough, sometimes we lost the meet, sometimes it was just nasty, but we got through it together and we should be proud!
However, before they are done, we still have some work to do. So guys, show us how to finish strong!
