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. 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). 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. Cleary you know nothing about mental health to even make a ludicrous comment like that regarding suicide. And their investigation didnt delve into possible wrongdoing by any other coaches or administrators. 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. Believe it or not, Chad was a human being, just like the rest of us. Meanwhile, swimmers told investigators that Cradock was disengaged with the womens team, according to the reports summaries of interviews. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. 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. 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.. We went up there to do our job and we did, Cradock said. Oana Brooks, Cradocks attorney, declined to comment but raised concerns about the investigation continuing after Cradocks death. My heart goes out to his poor wife and children who I pray are able to make it through this horrible tragedy. 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. UMBC has about 65 swimmers total on this years championship teams, and its a very diverse group with athletes from around the globe. , who came to UMBC this year from Cyprus (a 30-hour trek to Catonsville), the family spirit shined especially bright around the holidays. He enjoyed a stellar career from 1993 to 1997, after which he immediately was named assistant coach of his former team. At LIU, Donovan started with seven womens competitors in the fall of 2016 and opened the 2020-21 campaign with 29. I didnt go home for Christmas, but Chad invited me to his house, and I spent an amazing Christmas there, she says. In 2001 he became the second head coach of the program, winning nine consecutive conference championships, including seven straight . 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. 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. | Privacy Settings | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Share Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47 on Facebook, Tweet Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47, Submit Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47 to Reddit, Share Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47 on Pinterest, Share Former UMBC Head Swim Coach Chad Cradock Dies at 47 on LinkedIn, His tenure as the programs head coach ended in December, Curzan Wins 3 More, Baylor Nelson Swims 1:44.4 200 IM on Final Day at Cary, Regan Smith Compares the 2020 and 2021 Olympic Years (Video). Woodard, MaryAnn LIU held a 51-point lead over Monmouth entering Sunday . It took a lot of time.. Rest In Peace Chad. Swimmers also spoke of how Cradock created a one-way funnel where the athletes would only bring issues to him, not upper university officials. What Was Buzzing at Last Weeks ASCA World Clinic in Vegas? 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. It was a moment in the sun on their own campus, one that doesnt happen often with this sport. Within minutes, police responded to the call and determined that no threat had been made. You even let me come babysit Amanda! 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. Each level offers progressively more training days per week, deeper skills, longer training sessions and longer practice times. Chad can be friendly and warm while doing these horrible things. So why did the swimmer feel powerless? Especially given that all of us were part of the same UMBC swim and dive family at one point or another. Under Donovans lead, LIU womens swimming produced dozens of school records, and NEC and ECAC individual and relay championships in five seasons, but the most impressive has been the teams performance in the classroom. He was one of the universitys most fiercely loyal employees. Get all the top news and sports from the baltimoresun.com. We can all be proud of their resilience and commitment to each other through this challenging time. 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. 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.. 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. Theres a lot of respect out there for our program [world-wide], Cradock said. Chad graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Ontario, Canada in 1992. Its fine to argue, but dont invalidate someone elses experience with elementary logic . 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. He also mentioned that the family atmosphere Cradock and his coaches created gives him help in many ways in and out of the pool. UMBC Athletics' CORE values are: Growth, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork [] Four days after receiving the amended notice, the university was told that Cradock had died by suicide. SwimSwam has provided a forum for discussion on a very important and timely subject. This is about swimming.. Until that changes, no amount of procedural reform will make a difference.. We humbly offer our respects to all past, present, and future Indigenous people connected to this place. What is your credible source of proof for the statements you make? The athlete plunges neatly into the water as if into another layer of air. 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. Laracuente, Anders 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. The UMBC mens and womens swimming and diving programs have won plenty in their own righteven if most people dont realize it. "We are encouraged by the past two days. Theres a seven page document spelling out everything that Chad did. 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. Have some compassion. 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. Take your anger elsewhere, get professional help; your life matters too. 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. Its not seen as popular of a sport, and thats the way America looks at it, Cradock says. Same reason why SA victims may not report their abuser, why students may not report their teacher, why children may not report their parents. You need to communicate with your coach, and Chad and I have that.. There are multiple witnesses of a few specific swimmers asking alumni and teammates to lie about Cradock leading up to this lawsuit. The women's squad has captured four of the past seventitles, including a resounding victory in 2019. Gliese is a two-time captain at UMBC and the Danish national record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. SwimSwam walking a fine line? Four days after UMBC sent out the amended notice, the university received word that Cradock had died by suicide. Final. Comments unavailable on mobile. Recommend Chad's obituary to your friends. He led it to numerous conference title wins for the mens and womens teams. 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. 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. , 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. SwimSwam knows where the line is. 1. Logas, Collin We know this is an especially difficult time for his family and our swimming and diving community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences. 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. Sad for the victims and hope they get the help they need to move forward. Matt is an excellent choice to lead UMBC as they continue their recent successes, said Salo. I find this chat rather disgusting and the timing of some of these comments highly questionable. But investigators wrote there wasnt enough evidence Cradock retaliated against swimmers, in part because there wasnt evidence of specific adverse action.. He was 47 years old. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. SwimSwam Magazines are big, coming in at nearly a pound per issue. Its unclear whether its related to the swim team. Weigelt, Christopher Neale, Dani One student interviewed by attorneys on the universitys behalf remarked: I dont know how the higher ups did not know.. If you were a real psychologist, you would identify yourself; moreover, a psychologist would not be making such ignorant remarks. The Retriever Aquatic Club, founded in 1986, offers swimming programs, year-round, for swimmers of all levels of ability and interest. James Sutherland | September 12th, 2022. UMBC also has a chance for two others to earn spots in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The mission of the Retriever Aquatic Club is: to develop Champions in Swimming and in Life while creating a safe and positive learning environment. Unfortunately a man that many had loved is gone. The Gold Club logo identifies Masters clubs and workout groups that provide members with the best Masters Swimming experience possible. 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. Indoors all year and outdoors, from April to November, where you will grow as a swimmer. 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. , a diver from Baltimore, says the Retriever swimmers and divers put in the foundational hard work to find their success. This weekend was unbelievable, every day exceeded my expectations, says Moro. The basketball program and school received a deluge of publicity from all around the country after that. As this is an open matter, Winnick wrote, it would not be appropriate for the University to provide additional details.. , is now a corporate lawyer in New York. Its fine to argue, but dont invalidate someone elses experience with elementary . There are a lot of degenerates out there, and its disconcerting how many find their way into our sport. 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. At least two swimmers allege that he discouraged them from making reports to the university. 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. 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. 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. To the victim making up FAKE NEWS- STOP; Stop what you are doing right now. 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. Earlier that season, Donovan was named Coach of the Meet at the ECAC Championships, as he led the Sharks to a second-place finish. By now, the story is well-known because it was the first time in the history of that tournament when a No. Winnick, UMBCs spokeswoman, declined to comment on the investigations duration or its shift from a Title IX policy investigation to one considering discrimination policy violations. After graduating in 1997, he became an assistant swimming and diving coach and was appointed head coach in 2001. 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. You made an effort with me and helped me grow up. 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. If Coach Cradock was not allowed to do what he wanted to you, he wasnt going to coach you, one swimmer said, per an interview in the report according to The Sun. Chapman, Christian The behavior was classic quid pro quo sexual harassment, investigators wrote, as witnesses said he directed his coaching attention based on whether male swimmers would play along and participate in this unwelcome contact.. The student-athletes are wonderful representatives of the university and the alumni stay very connected. What keeps them coming to the pool again and again? I hear yourRead more . The mens team has earned 13of the 15America East Championships overall since the conference reinstituted mens swimming and diving as a championship sport in the winter of 2018. The UMBC mens and womens swimming and diving programs have won plenty in their own righteven if most people dont realize it. 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. [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. 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. I understand that there is anger surrounding this death. Our mission is to teach athletes transferablelife skills through the sport of diving. 2) There was an ongoing Title IX investigation into potential wrongdoing. Your country and my country both have the rule of law, due process and doctrines of innocent until proven guilty. 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 . But I will say, this moment, for as brief it is, is not currently about you. 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. 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. The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition during their time in the league. CoachDonovanand his staff were named the 2020-21 NEC Coaching Staff of the Meet for both the men's and women's championships. People interviewed by The Sun and the universitys outside investigators described a one-way funnel under Cradock, where the team would only bring issues to him. 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. Visit umbc.edu/swimming for a first-hand look at what it took to do our DIY underwater photo shoot. Somebody says hey, its OK to have a bad day. Im still [getting better]. This brought us even closer because you gave me the opportunity to coach the swim camp. 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 . The Navy women's team (3-1) defeated UMBC (0-3) by the score of 153.5-122.5 and the Navy men's team (4-0) won a 163-115 decision over the Retrievers (0-3). Lets not let our emotions shape our arguments. Harrowing allegations against former University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) head swim coach Chad Cradock surfaced Monday following his sudden death in March 2021. Are you part of the investigation team? Swim Coach 2716 Keith Puryear: Head Tennis Coach 1327 puryear@umbc.edu: Bobby Hoffman Assistant Coach 1327 retrievers@umbc.edu : David Bobb . Cradock and his staff won a number of key coaching accolades cross 19 seasons, including the 2001-2002 Northeast Conference Womens Coach of the Year (01-02), ECAC Mens Coach of the Year (01-02, 02-03) and America East Mens Coaching Staff of the Year (03-04 and (04-05). Its simple: They dont do it for the splash. Gude, Ryan This is very dangerous. They are also spending time together in the pool and staying connected as a team. Over time, citizens of many more Indigenous nations have come to reside in this region. . Leips. These athletes are scared. 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.. Plus, he lifts weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 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. The team may have been presented with this award but everyone here at UMBC deserves a portion of it as well". Casey-Bolanos, J.J. Men's Swimming and Diving. The firm found that Cradock engaged in sexual harassment and created a hostile environment during his time as coach, violating the universitys discrimination policy. Likewise, many people can be unaware of these happenings while for others, it shaped their entire experiences. On the national level, Donovan was awarded the 2013 YMCA National Coach of the Meet honor for the Long Course Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia. Students described a lack of attention at practices, less sympathetic treatment for injuries and different enforcement of team rules, including consequences for drinking. The swimmers and divers work through a long and tough regimen all season to earn those championship banners, something they all take pride in. Sullivan, Zach We enjoy the sportand were not doing it to be famous or anything, says Hania Moro, a senior financial economics major from Egypt. 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. In the fall of 2019, LIU had the fourth highest GPA in Division I womens swimming. became the head swimming and diving coach in 2001. realize is the grind the Retrievers endure to find all of their success, Cradock says. That our institutions both neglect athletes and turn their back on their coaches is despicable. AttorneyRignal Baldwin V represents five of the six swimmers named in the report. 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.. | Privacy Settings | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, I felt powerless to do anything about it, one swimmer told, Share Report Finds Serious Allegations Against Late UMBC Coach Chad Cradock on Facebook, Tweet Report Finds Serious Allegations Against Late UMBC Coach Chad Cradock, Submit Report Finds Serious Allegations Against Late UMBC Coach Chad Cradock to Reddit, Share Report Finds Serious Allegations Against Late UMBC Coach Chad Cradock on Pinterest, Share Report Finds Serious Allegations Against Late UMBC Coach Chad Cradock on LinkedIn, USA Swimming To Vote On Reducing 120-Day Transfer Rule In Club Swimming. The attention seemed endless and that was all for just one game. 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. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award as a senior. He took over the mens program as well when the university added the sport in the spring of 2020. 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. We love to be here, and we love to be with each other, and we love to enjoy our time. Who knows whered I be if not for Chad. This is what UMBC Swimming and Diving programs have achieved under the leadership of Chad and his staff. 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. Frankly, I hold the university, UMBC entirely accountable. Pavlou, Nicholas All rights reserved. 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. Gliese received the same honor on the mens side and was named Most Outstanding Swimmer. Head Swim Coach 2670 ccrado1@gl.umbc.edu: Vic Corbin: Head Diving Coach 3173 retrievers@umbc.edu: Mary Anne Gerzanick Asst. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Chad G. Cradock. Growing up at UMBC, so to speak, the team has become a second family for Cradock. Oana Brooks, an attorney for Cradock, declined to comment for this story and said his family didnt wish to be interviewed. Nicusan, Zacharias Nikola Trajkovic Coach Nik comes to Meadowbrook from UMBC where he swam on the men's swim team, and coached for three years afterwards. 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. . According to a report from the Baltimore Sun, UMBC launched an investigation into Cradock in late 2020 after numerous swimmers made reports of misconduct. Witnesses and victims described a pattern in which Cradock would ask swimmers to touch his shoulder or take their temperature for COVID protocols and then use his other arm to assault them. Your statements are inappropriate, hateful and heartless. Cradock, who has three children of his own, certainly understands the parents feelings when they turn their swimmers over to him for four years. What our countries dont have is an independent, safe, unbiased system for athletes to report abuse by coaches. Welsh, Matt I think it has a lot of effect, and it starts with name recognition, Cradock said. We have met with our student athletes and provided them with crisis support and counseling resources. And theyve done this largely without the fanfare received by more popular sports. Dinah Winnick, a UMBC spokeswoman, said in an email the school is cooperating with the Justice Department investigation. I guess you never really know what the true story is. Within minutes, police responded to the call and determined that no threat had been made. Its possible the investigation could lead to a monetary settlement and mandated improvements, like a recent probe into San Jos State University in California. Sometime later, he arranged a surprise meeting, forcing her to sit across from my abuser, she said. His dedication to the sport earned Chad a scholarship on the University of Maryland Baltimore Countys mens team in which he competed as a long-distance freestyle swimmer. A year ago, the Sharks also won the overall Team Sportsmanship Award as voted upon by their peers in the NEC. That UMBC has remained silent, to me, suggests all sorts of things. 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. 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. If that continued at UMBC, Cradock learned from the best. That swimmers attorney, Naomi Shatz of Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, said her clients college experience was destroyed by Coach Cradock.. Jyawook, Gabe We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. at NJIT Invitational. Cradock swam at UMBC from 1993 to 1997, lettering all four years and earning the Matt Skalsky Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award as a senior. 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. What can they do? 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. And those of you who say you are defending the truth. Former UMBC coach Chad Cradock has died, the team was told in a meeting on Sunday evening. Whitty, Jeff There are still people to this day in this comment section who are discounting the reports that were made.