The juniors on the men’s and women’s swim team have had a different head coach each season at Fairfield.
Phil Palumbo took a position in the RecPlex after their freshman year, Don Galluzzi was offered a position at Yale University at the conclusion of last season and Bill Farley was appointed head coach for the 2002-2003 season. After just a few weeks into season, the team has noticed huge differences in the coaching styles of coach Galluzzi and Farley.
Some members might say that Farley’s expectations are a little extreme. Kyle Stefanczyk ’04 said, “Bill is a lot more strict with enforcing rules.” Two practices are run each day.
Because of class scheduling, each member must make it to eight of the 10 practices offered. Kyle remarked, “It’s his way or no way. You have to make that many practices or he’ll take serious disciplinary action.”
Farley, who was unavailable when contacted by The Mirror, formerly coached at Princeton, Michigan and Hawaii, and has had much success with those programs.
Farley is clear about his expectations and work ethic, according to team members, who say practices are very focused and intense.
The intentions of Farley are to build upon the groundwork created by coach Galuzzi, just in his own unique way, according to the team. Captain Chip Stryker ’04 agreed that the new coach is a complete change for the team, but added, “Coach emphasizes commitment, and that combined with our talent will make us go above our usual mediocre performances.”
Christian McEvoy ’04 said, “Coach appreciates the guys who work hard, regardless of their speed.”
Last Saturday, the team fell to Loyola, but both the men and women swam their best meet in five years against the Greyhounds. “We swam to our potential if not beyond. We gave Loyola a run for their money,” Frank Vitulli ’04 remarked.
McEvoy agreed, “We are swimming above our abilities. Each meet someone steps up and has a big swim.”
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