Two Swimming Assistants Depart After Three Years On Staff
6/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
June 11, 2007
PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh Head Swimming and Diving Coach Chuck Knoles announced the departure of two assistant coaches, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann.
Stefanski (1994-98) departs Pitt for a position with the University of North Carolina's swimming and diving program, while Limkemann (2000-04) will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife, Ashley.
Stefanski and Limkemann both joined Pitt's swimming and diving staff during the 2004-05 season and we're both standout swimmers under Knoles.
Stefanski was a 1997 NCAA Championship qualifier. During his career at Pitt he set the school record in the 200 freestyle (1:37.18), and was part of the record-setting 200 medley relay team (1:29.38). He won an individual Big East title in the 100 freestyle and as a member of the 200 freestyle relay in 1998.
Stefanski's career was also highlighted with invitations to the 1992 and 1993 U.S. Opens, the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival, the 1997 Fina World Cup and the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Before coming to Pitt, Stefanski coached the University of Rochester's men's and women's swimming and diving teams in 2003-04 and earned the University Athletic Association's Women's Coach of the Year award. He also coached the first NCAA qualifier at Rochester in seven years.
"Eric was a great asset to our program and our `Team Pittsburgh' operations," Knoles said. "I am excited for his opportunities at UNC. The Panthers will miss him. He was a big part of our program."
Limkemann won nine Big East titles during his career at Pitt and was a 2002 NCAA qualifier in the 1650 free. A four-time conference winner in the 1650 freestyle, Limkemann is one of only two swimmers in school history to win a Big East title in the same event in each of his four years at Pitt. Limkemann also won the 500 free conference title, twice, and the 400 IM title in 2002. He was also a member of the two-time title winning 800 freestyle relay team and graduated in 2004 as one of the university's prestigious Blue-Gold honorees for his work in the pool and in the classroom.
Upon graduating from Pitt, Limkemann found success in the world of triathlons, winning numerous events including the Pittsburgh Triathlon in 2006 and obtained pro status. He recently placed third at the Columbia Triathlon in Maryland and will compete in the 2007 Rincon Triathlon ITU Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico on June 10.
"We are proud of Eric's history here at Pitt and will continue to cheer for him in his competitions and in life," Knoles said.
Stefanski and Limkemann combined to contribute to six Big East Championships for the men's swimming and diving program at Pitt.