CSCAA is excited to announce this year’s major award winners for their contributions to the sport. The following individuals have been selected for the following awards. They will be recognized on Monday, May 6th at the 59th Annual CSCAA Awards Banquet in Myrtle Beach, SC.
National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy: Eddie Sinnott, Southern Methodist
Eddie Sinnott, the longtime men’s swimming coach at SMU was selected by his peers. Beyond his success at the collegiate level Sinnott helped teach in the SMU swim lesson program for most of his forty years on campus. Sinnott has spent countless hours in the water teaching children how to be safe in and how to love the water. Said Miami (FL) head coach Andy Kershaw, “Eddie always made sure to give those children time to play and develop a love for swimming in general.”
Added SMU athletic director Rick Hart, “We are delighted for Eddie that he is being recognized for his contributions to collegiate swimming. He has significantly impacted our university and community during his time on the Hilltop and his lifelong dedication to the sport has shaped the lives of hundreds of students.”
The Richard Steadman Award: Barbara Jahn
For forty-four years Barb Jahn has brought a relentlessly positive attitude to the pools, fields, gyms and classrooms at UC Davis. She has been the women’s Head Swimming Coach for 43 seasons and has led the Aggies to five conference titles since their transition to Division I a decade ago. Over the course of her career, Jahn has won championships in five different conferences.
UC Davis athletic Director Kevin Blue commended Jahn on the award. “As thousands of alumni know, Barb’s impact on students at UC Davis has been immeasurable, I’m very happy that she’s being recognized with the Steadman Award. It represents everything that Barb stands for.”
Charles McCaffree Award – Brian Casey
The CSCAA Executive Board selected Dr. Brian Casey as its Charles E. McCaffree Award winner, The McCaffree award highlights outstanding swimmers and divers who have achieved success outside of the pool
As a 200 butterflyer and captain of the 1985 Notre Dame team, Casey honed his leadership skills and came to understand the true meaning of persistence trudging across the frozen South Quad to dive into Rockne Memorial Pool. As president at DePauw University Casey established a new financial aid endowment, raised more than $70 million in funding for aid and launched the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign in nearly two decades, raising $270 million towards the $300 million goal within one year. Today, as president at Colgate, Casey is refocusing the university’s commitment to its core identity while still suiting up to work out with the Raiders in the pool.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Nancy Bigelow
The Executive Board of the CSCAA selected Nancy Bigelow as its 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The honor is bestowed to selected individuals for their success and service to the collegiate swimming and diving community.
When she was hired, Bigelow took over a Jumbo program that was on the rise and turned it into a champion. Under her guidance, the Jumbos won three New England Division III championships and were the runner-up on several other occasions. She coached and mentored hundreds of swimmers over the years, including many who achieved national success.
“Throughout her career, Nancy has been focused on positively impacting her community,” explained Adam Hoyt, head coach at Tufts University. “She connects with individual athletes on an extremely personal level, yet also serves the entire coaching community and swimming and diving community on a national level.
“Being able to reach so many without overlooking that personal contact is a special quality that Nancy possesses. She embodies the idea that people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Ben Franklin Award – John Benedick
For forty-four years, John Benedick has devoted his life to MIT Athletics, having served as Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Director of Compliance, Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach and Head Men’s Water Polo Coach. Benedick was selected by the CSCAA Executive Board as its Benjamin Franklin Award Winner. Benedick was the first coach of the MIT Women’s Swimming and Diving program and played an integral role on building the Zesiger Aquatic Center which is a premier facility on the east coast.
“What impresses me the most, is that he always wants to get to ‘yes’ – but will never take a shortcut,” explains MIT Athletic Director Julie Soriero. “He operates with the highest degree of thoroughness and integrity is seeking answers and has always put the reputation of the Institute in the forefront.”
Swim Across America Service Award – Jimmy Tierney
For his servant leadership and contributions, Jimmy Tierney is being honored with the Swim Across America Service Award. The award recognizes a coach who exemplifies a leadership spirit of community service and recognizes that it is important for student-athletes to become well rounded. In 2016, Swim Across America—St. Louis was created and Tierney has volunteered to be a part of the leadership team every year. Each year McKendree swimmers participate as angels side-by-side encouraging participants, at the finish line handing out towels and high-fiving participants as they exit the water.
“I had such limited knowledge and no experience about Swim Across America until I took a call from Craig Beardsley shortly after starting my job at McKendree,” explained Tierney.
“Little did I know that this would become a passion and labor of love for me. I lost my mom to a brain tumor. She was the one who not only insisted that her children all learn to swim but she instilled the joy of swimming in us. In some small way, I hope my efforts can even make a small difference. I truly believe that together we can and will save lives.”
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