My Thoughts About Mark Schubert’s Leave of Absence

Column by John Lohn, Swimming World senior writer

BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey, September 20. WHAT we know right now is this: Mark Schubert, the National Team Head Coach and General Manager for United States Swimming, is on a paid leave of absence. It was a surprising decision that came down last week, during USA Swimming's annual convention in Dallas.

For now, Jim Wood, who just completed his four-year tenure as president of USA Swimming, is acting in the role of Schubert. In this world of Internet buzz and quick judgments, there has been plenty of discussion on the Schubert topic, chatter that will undoubtedly continue until the situation is officially resolved.

Honestly, what has been overlooked in this still-developing saga is what Schubert has brought to the sport during his illustrious career as a legendary coach. Instead, Schubert has largely been hammered, many closing their eyes to the fact that this man – a part of eight Olympiads – has had a huge mark on swimming in this country, and beyond.

It's easy to look up the accomplishments of Schubert, from his exploits as a standout club coach to the accolades he racked up as a collegiate head man at a handful of stops. That quick glance includes guiding squads from the University of Texas and the University of Southern California to NCAA championships. It includes the molding of dozens of Olympians, including the likes of Shirley Babashoff, Jesse Vassallo, Dara Torres, Sippy Woodhead and Lenny Krayzelburg.

Whether he was coaching at Mission Viejo at the club level, at the collegiate level overseeing the Longhorns and Trojans or serving as a guiding hand for a United States Olympic Team, of which he has been a part since the boycotted Games of 1980, Schubert has had great success. There's a reason he is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Schubert left USC in 2006 to take his management position at USA Swimming. In the four years he has served as National Team Head Coach, there is little to argue in terms of performance for the United States. The country had a superb showing at the 2008 Olympics and has remained at the forefront of the aquatic sports world.

While some have not agreed with the introduction of Centers of Excellence, training grounds for the professional swimmers in the United States, Schubert can be considered a visionary for developing a plan to give these post-graduate athletes a place to train, and alongside other top-flight swimmers who will create the necessary competitive training atmosphere. He also pushed for a plan to reward swimmers.

Controversy has found Schubert during his stint, particularly when he pushed for swimmers to wear the Speedo LZR Racer at the beginning of the tech-suit era. Eventually, his comments prompted a lawsuit by TYR. Some will argue that Schubert, with a deal with Speedo, was acting out of line because of his financial link. However, it can also be said that Schubert was merely looking out for the best interest of the athletes. He didn't want to see an athlete not have a chance to excel at the highest level – the Olympics – because an inferior suit hindered his or her performance. It was a logical statement considering the way the LZR had stood out at the time.

Where this story with Schubert is headed will be determined shortly. What must be remembered, however, during this saga is this: As much as some may not agree with his approaches or decisions, what he has done in the sport is inarguable. He is a coaching legend and deserves credit for establishing himself as thus.

**On another note, Swimming World Magazine's process for selecting its World Swimmers of the Year has started. The initial e-mail about the setup was sent out recently to the panel and the ballot will be completed once the Commonwealth Championships come to an end next month in Delhi. On the male side, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Ryan Lochte will be the World Swimmer of the Year. How can it be any other way?

However, for the women, the race is not nearly as clear. A number of candidates exist and have strong enough resumes to warrant consideration. The final votes will be revealed in the December issue of the magazine. For now, let's hear what our readership thinks about the best choice for World Female Swimmer of the Year.

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