Coach of the year proud and humble

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Frank Busch

"I was very proud but it was a little awkward," Busch said. "The award is indicative of all the coaches here, not just myself."

Busch was honored by the U.S. Olympic Committee at a dinner in Houston Sept. 19.

His modesty is not surprising, as his impressive coaching record speaks for itself.

Busch and his veteran coaching staff placed nine swimmers on international teams last summer.

Busch's summer team, Hillenbrand Aquatics of Tucson, won the 1998 USA Swimming National Championships by a landslide.

Everything that Busch touched seemed to turn to gold last season.

Both the UA men's and women's teams finished among the top six teams in the nation. Olympian Trina Jackson gained a national title in the 1,650 yard freestyle. Ryk Neethling became the second swimmer in NCAA history to sweep the 200-, 500- and 1,650-yard freestyles.

"I think the program has reached the point where we are turning out a lot of good athletes," Busch said.

The momentum has been building since he began as head coach 10 years ago. The men's team has moved from 16th to sixth place. The women's team is now second in the country.

"There has been nothing but improvement," said junior captain Chris Bundy. "He is one of the greatest coaches and our team just keeps climbing."

Bundy said the swim team is more impressed by Busch's consistent coaching than the fact he is now Coach of the Year.

"We look at what our coach is giving to us and teaching us," Bundy said. "A big thing for us is that we are focusing on what's happening in the future, not what has happened in the past."

But Assistant Coach Rick DeMont said that Busch's award is important.

"I think it will help in recruiting, because the team has already benefited from the coach," he said.

DeMont pinpointed the reason for Busch's success as his ability to read his swimmer's personalities.

"He knows the right amount of involvement to apply to different people," DeMont said.

Busch's individual attention has definitely had an impact outside the pool as well.

"He has taught me to be happy with my achievements in life," Bundy said.

DeMont said that Busch is a great example to him and that "he knows how to sail the ship."

Busch is clearly motivated by his swimmers' performances. He said he sees their success as a better reflection of his talent than the coach of the year award.

"I get more satisfaction from the kids applying themselves and taking it to the next level," he said. "There are more important things than coach of the year."

Busch's ideas of more important things include pushing each kid to his personal best and having every swimmer swim their best times in qualifying meets.

"We have a complete comprehensive program- diving included," Busch said. "I think we are really accomplishing what we need to."

Rachel Carasso can be reached via e-mail at Rachel.Carasso@wildcat.arizona.edu.