UMBC has about 65 swimmers total on this years championship teams, and its a very diverse group with athletes from around the globe. Oana Brooks, an attorney for Cradock, declined to comment for this story and said his family didnt wish to be interviewed. 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. 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. According to a report from the Baltimore Sun, UMBC launched an investigation into Cradock in late 2020 after numerous swimmers made reports of misconduct. 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. What is your credible source of proof for the statements you make? Former UMBC coach Chad Cradock has died, the team was told in a meeting on Sunday evening. 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. What keeps them coming to the pool again and again? 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 In his first full season with the Retrievers, Donovan led the men's squad to titles at the ECAC Winter Championships and the America East Championships. "Their level of achievement in the pool is only heightened by how successful they are in the classroom. The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition during their time in the league. And, all I read into UMBC is that it likely did not take care of its athletes OR its coach its winningest coach during a time when vulnerabilities are high. This is about swimming.. 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. 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. 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. Sorry for those kids and sorry for his family. Plus, he lifts weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So why did the swimmer feel powerless? 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. 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. So just to clear things up certain alumni commenting on this post are claiming that nothing ever happened just because it didnt happen to them? They swept the America East championships this past winter, claiming the 31st and 32nd titles for the Retrievers26 of which have come since Chad Cradock 97, psychology, became the head swimming and diving coach in 2001. He was also the head coach of the Retriever Aquatic Club, where his children currently swim. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award as a senior. That swimmers attorney, Naomi Shatz of Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, said her clients college experience was destroyed by Coach Cradock.. Swim Coach 2716 Keith Puryear: Head Tennis Coach 1327 puryear@umbc.edu: Bobby Hoffman Assistant Coach 1327 retrievers@umbc.edu : David Bobb . Growing up at UMBC, so to speak, the team has become a second family for Cradock. The firm found that Cradock engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile environment during his time as coach, violating the universitys discrimination policy. 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. 1. 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. Cradock and the team are enjoying their successes and the extra attention that comes with it. The athlete plunges neatly into the water as if into another layer of air. Cradock, 46, became UMBC's second-ever swimming and diving head coach in 2001 after swimming for the school in the 1990s and then serving as an assistant coach. She said when she told Craddock about the assault, which was later corroborated by a different Title IX investigation, he told her it was her fault and chastised her for messing with the other swimmers head. Retriever Activities Center 1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250. . Lolly, I completely agree with you. Leips. Chad came to UMBC as a student athlete in 1993 and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology while swimming for the Retrievers. Lets not let our emotions shape our arguments. 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, Schedule a Private Group Fitness Class or Workshop. Donate Organizer and beneficiary Donna Helms Welsh, Matt If you were a real psychologist, you would identify yourself; moreover, a psychologist would not be making such ignorant remarks. And their investigation didnt delve into possible wrongdoing by any other coaches or administrators. I was so committed to the UMBC program I stayed on campus over the summer and trained with RAC. Moro also earned the Dave Alexander Coaches Award, for the senior who gets the most points during the meet. We offer all levels of training, from beginner diving lessons to summer prep to elite Junior Olympic training. Four days after UMBC sent out the amended notice, the university received word that Cradock had died by suicide. 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. Its called affirming a disjunct and its why this either/or logic is silly. 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. They are also spending time together in the pool and staying connected as a team. 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. 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 also ran into other former Retriever swimmers recently at an event that UMBC hosted in New York City at the One World Observatory. The workouts are long and laborious. 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. In the roughly year and a half since, the investigation has continued as student-athletes have grieved and grappled with Cradocks death and misconduct. Per the report, Chen had arranged to meet with a . Just because you had a decent experience with him, doesnt mean that other did too. Tobin, Yassin /news/2177646626007-former-umbc-head-swim-coach-chad-cradock-dies-at-47 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. A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. The former coach allegedly touched numerous male swimmers in their genitals, investigators found. 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. Donovan saw great success while with Somerset Valley, leading the team to the New Jersey State Championship in 2006, and every year from 2010 to 2014. Whitty, Jeff Henrickson, Samuel Visit umbc.edu/swimming for a first-hand look at what it took to do our DIY underwater photo shoot. Within minutes, police responded to the call and determined that no threat had been made. Indoors all year and outdoors, from April to November, where you will grow as a swimmer. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award as a senior. It took a lot of time.. Casey-Bolanos, J.J. 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. 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.. 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. Chad Cradock, who left his position as the head coach of the UMBC swimming & diving team in December after 19 years, has died. So, even if the university did have a Title IX office, students may have had reason not to trust them. 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.. Cradock, who was 47 at the time of his death, served as head coach of UMBC's swimming and diving team for 19 seasons. Both Dillon and Barrio were unable to state who out of athletics the threat was directed towards. We treat them the way we would want our kids to be treated wherever they went.. 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. Ever sit through criminal trials of swim coaches of your own children? There are no events scheduled. Men's Swimming and Diving at NJIT Invitational October 14, 2022 5:00 p.m. Swimmers at University of Maryland, Baltimore County were sexually harassed by longtime swim coach Chad Cradock, a university investigation found. How do you know there are 20 athletes involved? Chad, you helped shaped the person I am today.Read more , To those people not directly involved in the cases/investigation question the right of those victims to speak up, and for those courageous kids (remember, most of the victims here are under 21 years old and college students age same as YOUR KIDS , Well, I/we wont back down No, I/we wont back down You can stand me/us up at the gates of hell But I/we wont back down No, Ill/well stand my/our ground Wont be turned around And Ill/well keep this man from draggin me down Gonna stand my/our ground And I/we wont back down, (I/we wont back down) Hey, haters, there aint no easy way out (I/weRead more . I dont think I can ever have a normal college experience.. She cited the ongoing federal investigation, saying comment at this time would not be appropriate.. at NJIT Invitational. What Was Buzzing at Last Weeks ASCA World Clinic in Vegas? goodthe sound of their stroke is smooth and quiet. 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. I made him proud.. , is now a corporate lawyer in New York. We went up there to do our job and we did, Cradock said. He also ran into other former Retriever swimmers recently at an event that UMBC hosted in New York City at the One World Observatory. But Cradocks leadership included misconduct, UMBCs outside investigators wrote in their 105-page final report. He was one of the universitys most fiercely loyal employees. He, along with the swimmers accusing him, 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. No one needs to hear each others opinions. Chad Cradock, who left his position as the head coach of the UMBC swimming & diving team in December after 19 years, has died. Cradock said one moment that they all enjoyed recently came after winning the America East championship and the team returned to campus. Recommend Chad's obituary to your friends. I will always love you Chad, Rest In Peace. I am not sure exactly what happened so I can only speak on my experience. 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. , 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. We love to be here, and we love to be with each other, and we love to enjoy our time. Many people can have a positive experience with him while others had terrible ones. Power dynamics, the backlash you may receive when reporting, and the potential that no one will believe you. 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. In interviews, students described feeling left in the dark for much of the lengthy investigation on behalf of the university. Dinah Winnick, a UMBC spokeswoman, said in an email the school is cooperating with the Justice Department investigation. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. Chad was best known for his big smiles, jovial laughs, and unconditional love and support to those whose lives he touched. In. Places like the. 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 . In my experience, had regulated swim bodies paid closer attention to complaints brought forward by athletes and parents, I suspect criminalRead more . Both are within range to qualify and will be spending plenty of time this year focusing on that goal. UMBCs Title IX process prioritizes the schools reputation over student safety, Baldwin said. Harrowing allegations against former University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) head swim coach Chad Cradock surfaced Monday following his sudden death in March 2021. 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). Four days after receiving the amended notice, the university was told that Cradock had died by suicide. Morales, Ryan 2023 University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The real victims here are the three children who will never see their dad again. The mens team won 10 consecutive conference titles from 2002-2011. [UMBC was] the big story last year.. But every day, the swimmers and divers head to the pool anyway. Somebody says hey, its OK to have a bad day. Im still [getting better]. 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. 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. 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. Donovan, Patrick UMBC is also under an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, the departments website shows, related to a sexual violence report. He was just the second head coach in program history, serving in that role from 2001 to late 2020. 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. Read the whole article. The agency and UMBC declined to comment on that probe. View Desktop Version, Students in need of grief counseling or emotional support can contact the, at 410-455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at 410-455-3230. Miller says that he remembers his swimming days at UMBC where there were just about a dozen swimmers on the team. I hear yourRead more . Prior to coming to UMBC, Donovan hadserved as the head womens swimming coach at Long Island University since the fall of 2016. Students described a lack of attention at practices, less sympathetic treatment for injuries and different enforcement of team rules, including consequences for drinking. There is no additional information to display: 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. 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. If we were in Australia, swimming would be the number one. Oana Brooks, Cradocks attorney, declined to comment but raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death. We enjoy the sportand were not doing it to be famous or anything, says, , a senior financial economics major from Egypt. 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. Get your evening news in your e-mail inbox. Sullivan, Zach Woodard, MaryAnn 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. Swimmers also spoke of how Cradock created a one-way funnel where the athletes would only bring issues to him, not upper university officials. And that they know better and are smarter than legal professionals hired by the university to investigate for over 2 years that spoke to coaching staff, former athletes, current athletes, and university employees AND the US Department of Justice? Its possible the investigation could lead to a monetary settlement and mandated improvements, like a recent probe into San Jos State University in California. You guys are blaming them for his death. It all continues into Saturday, a fact the swimmers understand and accept. Tolba, Max Its probably tripled in one year the amount of people that reached out to the swimming program. The basketball program and school received a deluge of publicity from all around the country after that. Despite there being no threat to campus, Athletic Director Brian Barrio made the call to cancel all scheduled practices, athletic treatments and COVID-19 testing appointments. Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. What many dont realize is the grind the Retrievers endure to find all of their success, Cradock says. I dont know if I would have seen the same success or not [somewhere else].. UMBCs Title IX process prioritizes the schools reputation over student safety, Baldwin said, according to The Sun. These personal touches help draw the swimmers closer as a group. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. The Justice Department declined to comment for this story. Even in Hungary, its very popular. So, whats the secret to this powerhouse squads success? Seems like they cant come to grips that the man they knew and loved could be so horrific to others despite evidence being proven. UMBC was established upon the land of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. 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. As this is an open matter, Winnick wrote, it would not be appropriate for the University to provide additional details.. Harding, Will 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 can be friendly and warm while doing these horrible things. 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. Laracuente, Anders became the head swimming and diving coach in 2001. realize is the grind the Retrievers endure to find all of their success, Cradock says. 2) Turning a man who took his own life into a martyr is dangerous. We provide you four massive print issues designed to sit on your coffee table like a piece of artwork. 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. My heart goes out to his poor wife and children who I pray are able to make it through this horrible tragedy. They need something to do, and I would think that a few words from a swimmer or two would be all it would take. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Chad G. Cradock. Tags: Athletics, Spring 2019, swimming and diving. We do it because we love it, Cradock says. Men's Swimming and Diving at University of Delaware October 8, 2022 11:00 AM. By now, the story is well-known because it was the first time in the history of that tournament when a No. 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. 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. Cradock was placed under investigation in late 2020 after allegations that included sexual harassment and discrimination. Gude, Ryan I have. Chad graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Ontario, Canada in 1992. 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. He also broke the America East record in the 100 backstroke. After graduating in 1997, he became an assistant swimming and diving coach and was appointed head coach in 2001. 66 Final. The only fake news is you knowing what youre taking about. Good people can do bad things. In the roughly two hours on Tuesday since UMBC had announced Pete Caringi Jr.'s plan to retire as the school's men's soccer coach on April 1, Caringi's phone had been flooded with more than 50. Reports by female swimmers especially were not taken seriously by Cradock, the report said. Same reason why SA victims may not report their abuser, why students may not report their teacher, why children may not report their parents. SwimSwam Magazines are big, coming in at nearly a pound per issue. I have to live with this really dark secret thats the undertone of my four years. Our thoughts and hearts go out to Christie, Amanda, Geoffrey, and CJ. Jyawook, Gabe Terms of Use & Privacy Policy | FTC Disclaimer The women's squad placed second in both meets. There is no additional information to display. This is what UMBC Swimming and Diving programs have achieved under the leadership of Chad and his staff. There are now more than five times that many, but Cradock has worked to keep the big group close, as he believes that helps with the overall success of the teams. Swimmers also said that Cradock would base his coaching on which swimmers would play along and participate in the unwelcome contact.. Donovan, who has extensive coaching experience at both the collegiate and club level, spent two seasons as an assistant on both the men's and women's side at the University of Connecticut. University of Maryland, Baltimore County And year after year, the program broadens its family of alumni. Hm ok thats very odd. But investigators wrote there wasnt enough evidence Cradock retaliated against swimmers, in part because there wasnt evidence of specific adverse action.. SwimSwam walking a fine line? 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. Especially given that all of us were part of the same UMBC swim and dive family at one point or another. One student interviewed by attorneys on the universitys behalf remarked: I dont know how the higher ups did not know.. Neale, Dani If that continued at UMBC, Cradock learned from the best. The publicity that follows the athletic success of some teams, well, thats for other sports. 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. He was 47 years old. UMBC was established upon the land of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. View Full Bio, Tiago Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. Cradock spent 19 seasons as the head coach of the mens & womens swimming & diving teams at UMBC, or the University of Maryland Baltimore County.