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. Coach Donovan was an integral part of my camp program at (USC) for many years. The UMBC mens and womens swimming and diving programs have won plenty in their own righteven if most people dont realize it. It all continues into Saturday, a fact the swimmers understand and accept. Its likely the Justice Department investigation will examine UMBCs response to allegations against Cradock and its investigatory process. SwimSwam walking a fine line? UMBC swimmers Jenna Gwinn, left, a graduate of Mount de Sales, and Makaela Hill, of Catonsville High, are shown at the Retriever Aquatics Center on Wednesday. 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. 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. swimswam.com Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47 Chad Cradock, who left his position as the head coach of the UMBC swimming & diving team in December after 19 years, has died. Men's Swimming and Diving. Mood, Diego Ever sit through criminal trials of swim coaches of your own children? Students told university officials that Cradock inappropriately touched male swimmers, discriminated against female members of the team and mishandled Title IX reports, according to the Baltimore Sun. If we were in Australia, swimming would be the number one. Sorry for those kids and sorry for his family. What Was Buzzing at Last Weeks ASCA World Clinic in Vegas? The student-athletes are wonderful representatives of the university and the alumni stay very connected. It took a lot of time.. , 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. 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. Growing up at UMBC, so to speak, the team has become a second family for Cradock. Students described a lack of attention at practices, less sympathetic treatment for injuries and different enforcement of team rules, including consequences for drinking. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. 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.). Employees can access support through the. The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition since joining the league in 2003. We humbly offer our respects to all past, present, and future Indigenous people connected to this place. And year after year, the program broadens its family of alumni. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates! 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. Oana Brooks, an attorney for Cradock, declined to comment for this story and said his family didnt wish to be interviewed. There are multiple witnesses of a few specific swimmers asking alumni and teammates to lie about Cradock leading up to this lawsuit. After graduating in 1997, he became an assistant swimming and diving coach and was appointed head coach in 2001. Likewise, many people can be unaware of these happenings while for others, it shaped their entire experiences. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates! The firm found that Cradock engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile environment during his time as coach, violating the universitys discrimination policy. That swimmers attorney, Naomi Shatz of Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, said her clients college experience was destroyed by Coach Cradock.. Theres a seven page document spelling out everything that Chad did. What keeps them coming to the pool again and again? In the men's championship, UMBC scored 3,075.5 points to beat Long Island University by 1896 points. The mens team won 10 consecutive conference titles from 2002-2011. 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. The only facts I am aware of are regarding his death are these: 1) Chad resigned abruptly in December after a leave of absence and UMBC supported this. Donate Organizer and beneficiary Donna Helms Chad can be friendly and warm while doing these horrible things. , who came to UMBC this year from Cyprus (a 30-hour trek to Catonsville), the family spirit shined especially bright around the holidays. We love to be here, and we love to be with each other, and we love to enjoy our time. If Coach Cradock was not allowed to do what he wanted to you, according to a summary of the swimmers interview in the report, he wasnt going to coach you.. I guess you never really know what the true story is. Its simple: They dont do it for the splash. They swept the America East championships this past winter, claiming the 31, titles for the Retrievers26 of which have come since. UMBCs Title IX process prioritizes the schools reputation over student safety, Baldwin said. We enjoy the sportand were not doing it to be famous or anything, says, , a senior financial economics major from Egypt. Its not seen as popular of a sport, and thats the way America looks at it, Cradock says. 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. These personal touches help draw the swimmers closer as a group. 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. Read the whole article. Chad is amazing, and he knows what hes doing. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Chads name to a charity of your choice. Gliese received the same honor on the mens side and was named Most Outstanding Swimmer. 1. . You need to communicate with your coach, and Chad and I have that.. 2) Turning a man who took his own life into a martyr is dangerous. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. None of this would be possible without all of the amazing professors, advisors and support staff we have here at UMBC. This comment section is getting dark. Chad came to UMBC as a student athlete in 1993 and earned his . Matt is an excellent choice to lead UMBC as they continue their recent successes, said Salo. goodthe sound of their stroke is smooth and quiet. At least two swimmers allege that he discouraged them from making reports to the university. You posted this information; youve chosen not to moderate this chat; you should be silent. There were scores of witnesses who were not interviewed. I just told everyone to go home and take the day off.. Especially given that all of us were part of the same UMBC swim and dive family at one point or another. Chad was the head coach of the men's & women's swimming & diving teams at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for 19 years. Chad came to UMBC as a student athlete in 1993 and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology while swimming for the Retrievers. Your words are evil, you are hurting grieving heartbroken innocent children and a family that is devastated. Each level offers progressively more training days per week, deeper skills, longer training sessions and longer practice times. He also ran into other former Retriever swimmers recently at an event that UMBC hosted in New York City at the One World Observatory. Power dynamics, the backlash you may receive when reporting, and the potential that no one will believe you. Will that ever be released? Its become a lot easier that were more respected in the athletic world because of what they did. There were dozens and dozens of teammates who corroborated stories and were interviewed even though they were not part of the 6 named. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. There is no indication of when the first complaint was made related to Coach Cradock.. Later in the day, they work out on land (1:15 to 1:45 p.m.) and then its back in the pool from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, practices stretch from 1:30 to 1:45 p.m., with a two-hour swim right after that. This is about swimming.. He also mentioned that the family atmosphere Cradock and his coaches created gives him help in many ways in and out of the pool. Cradock spent 19 seasons as the head coach of the men's & women's swimming &. All rights reserved. UMBC Director of Athletics Brian Barrio named Matt Donovan to lead the mens and womens swimming and diving programs as the Retrievers head coach in March of 2021. The mission of the Retriever Aquatic Club is: to develop Champions in Swimming and in Life while creating a safe and positive learning environment. 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. Many of Cradocks swimmers stay in touch long after commencement, often giving back to the program as a way of showing their commitment. Cradock and his wife Christie had 3 children. That UMBC has remained silent, to me, suggests all sorts of things. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. Jyawook, Gabe Gliese is a two-time captain at UMBC and the Danish national record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. SwimSwam has provided a forum for discussion on a very important and timely subject. I do not feel sorry for you ifRead more . The UMBC mens basketball team shocked many and generated a huge amount of publicity when they beat Virginia 74-54 in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in March 2018. 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. To the swim coach psychologist- what is VERY DANGEROUS is you pretending to be a professional. Trias, Niklas Chapman, Christian Women's Swimming & Diving Finishes Strong at America East Championships. 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. University of Maryland, Baltimore County A year ago, the Sharks also won the overall Team Sportsmanship Award as voted upon by their peers in the NEC. In every single semester under Donovan, the Sharks have earned CSCAA Academic Honors. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. He has coached two National Camps (2010, 2011) at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and assisted at the USA Zone Select Camp in Baltimore in 2012. They were honored during a media timeout of a basketball game at the UMBC Event Center and received a large ovation from the crowd that night, something that the swimmers just loved. So sad that a man who was so loyal to UMBC was shown no compassion. Moro also earned the Dave Alexander Coaches Award, for the senior who gets the most points during the meet. Great people can do questionable things, Horrific people can as well do life changing amazing things. He was just the second head coach in program history, serving in that role from 2001 to late 2020. Both are within range to qualify and will be spending plenty of time this year focusing on that goal. 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. She cited the ongoing federal investigation, saying comment at this time would not be appropriate.. Final. Sad for the victims and hope they get the help they need to move forward. In the roughly year and a half since, the investigation has continued as student-athletes have grieved and grappled with Cradocks death and misconduct. Poulos, Ethan David Miller 96, economics, is now a corporate lawyer in New York. He took over the mens program as well when the university added the sport in the spring of 2020. Are you a faculty member that has seen this document? Casey-Bolanos, J.J. Rather than reporting it immediately, the report said, Cradock let it fester for months and tried to mediate the matter himself., The female swimmer who was the target of that behavior, who The Sun is not naming because she said she was sexually assaulted by the other swimmer, said Cradock told her if she made a report to other university officials, she would make it so much worse for yourself and the rest of the team.. The agency and UMBC declined to comment on that probe. Indoors all year and outdoors, from April to November, where you will grow as a swimmer. I will always love you Chad, Rest In Peace. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Chad G. Cradock. 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. I was a shy young girl who couldnt keep eye contact. How do you know there is a seven page document spelling everything out? Stories from the College Athlete Experience promotes conversations about student athlete mental health, Woman, life, freedom: What the Mahsa Amini protests signify for Iranians, Time to Vote: New Ballot Box Installed in the Commons, Womens Center We Believe You discussions provide in-person support to survivors, Retriever Essentials serves UMBC campus food needs. Fisher, Meghan Unfortunately a man that many had loved is gone. There are a lot of degenerates out there, and its disconcerting how many find their way into our sport. 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, Schedule a Private Group Fitness Class or Workshop. I hear yourRead more . The athlete plunges neatly into the water as if into another layer of air. The women's squad placed second in both meets. Get your evening news in your e-mail inbox. 66 Moro broke the school record in the 1650 freestyle and won a gold medal in that event. at NJIT Invitational. I am saddened to see sad hurting people, bickering back and forth with other sad hurting people. Since 1999, they have amassed 32 championship trophies, not to mention consistent accolades for athletic prowess and coaching. 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. 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. Building a solid environment to compete, thats for this program, and its why theyve been so successful. But every day, the swimmers and divers head to the pool anyway. So why did the swimmer feel powerless? 2) There was an ongoing Title IX investigation into potential wrongdoing. I understand that there is anger surrounding this death. That our institutions both neglect athletes and turn their back on their coaches is despicable. This brought us even closer because you gave me the opportunity to coach the swim camp. 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. My heart goes out to his poor wife and children who I pray are able to make it through this horrible tragedy. The workouts are long and laborious. Former UMBC coach Chad Cradock has died, the team was told in a meeting on Sunday evening. And family membership doesnt end at graduation. He was one of the universitys most fiercely loyal employees. 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. 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 those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Chad’s name to a charity of your choice. A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. 

. Prior to coming to UMBC, Donovan hadserved as the head womens swimming coach at Long Island University since the fall of 2016. 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. UMBCs Title IX process prioritizes the schools reputation over student safety, Baldwin said, according to The Sun. 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.. There is no additional information to display. He also broke the America East record in the 100 backstroke. As we learn more about the familys plans for remembering Chad, we will communicate them to you. Chad was best known for his big smiles, jovial laughs, and unconditional love and support to those whose lives he touched. The LIU women also produced eight individual Northeast Conference champions from 2016-20, including the leagues Most Outstanding Swimmer in 2019-20, and broke two long-standing conference records. Who knows whered I be if not for Chad. Cradock and the team are enjoying their successes and the extra attention that comes with it. You even let me come babysit Amanda! Our thoughts and hearts go out to Christie, Amanda, Geoffrey, and CJ. Both Dillon and Barrio were unable to state who out of athletics the threat was directed towards. He was then appointed head coach in 2001 and spent 19 years leading the programs. Even in Hungary, its very popular. In his two seasons with the Huskies, he coached 37 All-Conference honorees, saw the team finish second at the American Athletic Conference Championships in 2015, and win both the 2015 and 2016 Copa Coqui Invitational in Puerto Rico. Recommend Chad's obituary to your friends. 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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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. 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. The Sun, which interviewed five swimmers for this story, is not naming students who say they were sexually assaulted or other students cited in the report, which was supposed to be confidential, for privacy reasons. Earlier that season, Donovan was named Coach of the Meet at the ECAC Championships, as he led the Sharks to a second-place finish. The former coach allegedly touched numerous male swimmers in their genitals, investigators found. In 2001 he became the second head coach of the program, winning nine consecutive conference championships, including seven straight . Swimmers at University of Maryland, Baltimore County were sexually harassed by longtime swim coach Chad Cradock, a university investigation found. Chad Cradock, who left his position as the head coach of the UMBC swimming & diving team in December after 19 years, has died. 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. But it is NOT your Swim Swam call. 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. Cradock reportedly touched numerous male swimmers in their genitals, investigators found, with witnesses and victims describing a pattern in which he would ask the swimmers to touch his shoulder or take their temperature for COVID protocols and use his other arm to assault them. I have to live with this really dark secret thats the undertone of my four years. 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. Four days after UMBC sent out the amended notice, the university received word that Cradock had died by suicide. Plus, he lifts weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Within minutes, police responded to the call and determined that no threat had been made. I spent four years swimming with you. 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. 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. Dinah Winnick, a UMBC spokeswoman, said in an email the school is cooperating with the Justice Department investigation. 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. USA Swimming had had him as a guest presenter twice for their webinar series that can be found on usaswimming.org. 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. Cleary you know nothing about mental health to even make a ludicrous comment like that regarding suicide. Weigelt, Christopher Morales, Ryan 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. 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. And theyve done this largely without the fanfare received by more popular sports. Swim Coach 2716 Keith Puryear: Head Tennis Coach 1327 [email protected]: Bobby Hoffman Assistant Coach 1327 [email protected] : David Bobb . We do it because we love it, Cradock says. Lolly, I completely agree with you. We have met with our student athletes and provided them with crisis support and counseling resources. The team culture around Cradocks behavior was to minimize it as just Chad, according to swimmers interviewed by The Sun. Bennici, Max Tolba, Max The outside investigators wrote that the allegations against Cradock were sufficiently serious for it to continue despite that. He was 47 years old. "We are encouraged by the past two days. Gentle ripples of movement belie the engine propelling it powerfully beneath the surface. Have some compassion. 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 Sun also says that swimmers have been interviewed by U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigators looking into the university and if it complied with federal rules barring gender discrimination in education.