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Skip Nitardy will begin his second season as head coach of the University of Maine men's and women's swimming and diving teams. In his first season the women's team jumped out to a quick start, winning their first three meets, finishing 4-5 and placing fifth at the America East championships. The men's team finished with a 1-6 record and also placed fifth at the America East championships as they saw substantial progress in the program. Now in his second year, Nitardy's first class of recruits will look to thrive under his guidance. Nitardy was named the head coach on July 3, 2007 following the retirement of long-time coach Jeff Wren. Prior to becoming the Black Bear coach, he was no stranger to swimming in the state of Maine. Since 2004, Nitardy has been Senior Director of Aquatics and Competitive Swim at the Bangor YMCA. Following the 2007 swimming campaign, Nitardy was named Maine YMCA Coach of the Year, after placing second in the state championships and coaching five YMCA National qualifiers. The Bangor Barracudas had over 30 state championship finishes in 2007 alone. Before his time with the Bangor YMCA, Nitardy spent 11 years as the Senior Director of Aquatics and Competitive Swim at the Darien YMCA in Connecticut. In 2004, a year when the Darien team combined for a fourth place national finish, with the women's team placing fourth and the men's team placing second, Nitardy was named the 2004 Connecticut Coach of the Year. Throughout his coaching career, Skip has coached over 75 YMCA National qualifiers, two Olympic trial qualifiers, and six Senior National qualifiers. Nitardy is an alumnus of the University of South Alabama, graduating with a degree in Physical Education. Skip and his wife Jill have three daughters, Tara, Paige, and Anna. |
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