A Coaches' Perspective: An Interview with the Head Coach at
An interview with Wally Morton, the Head Men’s Swimming
Coach at
What is the best advice you would give to a high
school swimmer hoping to compete in college?
Be a well rounded person doing community service, keeping your grades at
an excellent level, and train year round. Your training must have a purpose
everyday with the goal of swimming fast.
How does a NCAA coach know when a recruit is a good
fit for his program and university?
Fast swimming times, excellent grades/test scores, good references from
coaches, teachers and teammates and is respectful on the recruiting trip.
How does a swimmer know when a certain coach or
program is an excellent fit?
A combination of an excellent academic curriculum, and a program which
is at the correct level for the swimmers should be the goal for the recruit.
The team should be comprised of both faster swimmers and some that are around
or a bit slower that the prospective student/athletes swimming times. The
college swimming team should have a long history of success and stability.
What should recruits be most aware of during
recruit trips?
Be on time, dress appropriately, and be alert and courteous. The recruit
should evaluate the people that will be affecting his or her life for the next
four to five years.
What would you tell a student choosing between a
Division I, II, and III school?
Choose a program that challenges you but permits you to participate in a
meaningful and fulfilling way. Make sure you put academics first.
What do you as a coach look for in a recruit?
The swimming times alert us to the swimmer’s potential for our Team.
After that we talk to the Coaches, teammates and school personnel to determine
the character of the person we are recruiting. If a recruit exhibits enthusiasm
for CSU and our Team then we are also enthusiastic in recruiting that swimmer
for our program. A good relationship is paramount to making the process
successful.