Passages: Southwestern’s Steve Brandt

GEORGETOWN, Texas, October 16. TODAY, Southwestern University President Jake Schrumm announced the untimely death of Southwestern head coach Steve Brandt. The athletics department posted the letter reprinted below. Swimming World is especially shocked as Southwestern had just been featured prominently on our site in a Meet of the Week where Southwestern defeated in-state rival McMurry in both men's and women's dual meets. During the past week, we had a lot of direct contact with Coach Brandt and were impressed with how passionate he was about Southwestern's swimming program.

We send our condolences to the family and friends of Coach Brandt.

Schrumm's Letter
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Steve Brandt, our Head Women's and Men's Swimming and Diving Coach, was found dead at his home this morning.

Steve came to Southwestern in 2004 as Assistant Swimming and Diving Coach and had served as Head Coach since 2005. He was an up-and-coming young coach in Division III and was developing a strong varsity swimming program for us at Southwestern. He also taught several swimming classes for our students.

Because Steve's death is likely to touch many on campus, Vice President for Student Life Jerry Brody has organized a gathering tonight at 7 p.m. in the McCombs Ballrooms. Representatives from Counseling Services and our University Chaplain will be available at this gathering.

Representatives from Counseling Services will be available as always on the first floor of the Robertson Center or by calling ext. 1252. Chaplain Eric McKinney may be reached by calling 512-635-0755.

We are discussing ways that the campus community can reach out to Steve's wife, Allyson, as well as his family.

Inquiries about our swim program should be directed to Glada Munt, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. It is our firm intention that this program continue this season.

Please join me in including Steve's family, his friends, our swimmers, and members of our Athletic Department staff in your thoughts and prayers. We will let you know as soon as we have information regarding plans for a memorial service for Steve.

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