Longtime Arizona swimming coach Frank Busch passed away Sunday at age 75, the university announced.
Busch led the Wildcats swimming program to unchartered heights during his 22-year tenure, highlighted by men’s and women’s national championships in 2008.
Under Busch, Arizona swimmers earned 49 NCAA individual titles and 31 NCAA relay titles. Several Wildcats swimmers went on to participate and medal in the Olympics.
Busch was a six-time NCAA Coach of the Year and an 11-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year 11.
Busch served on the Team USA coaching staff for the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Busch later served as USA Swimming National Team Director.
“Coach Busch was a legend in swimming and an important part of Arizona’s history,” Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois said. “He was a gentleman, a mentor and a powerful leader. His legacy is a reminder that our impact as leaders lives on through the people we invest in, encourage and believe in. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him.”
Busch is a member of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame, Pima County Sports Hall of Fame and American Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame.
Arizona swimming and diving coach Ben Loorz said, “Coach Busch is a coaching icon in swimming circles, and his impact stretches throughout our sport, from the club level to the college level to the Olympics. Our program wouldn’t be where it is today without the foundation he created. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
