NEW PALTZ — The final piece of the SUNY New Paltz Athletic Department transitional puzzle was put in place with the elevation of Aquatics Director Brian Williams to Interim Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance.
Williams, a 1993 SUNY Cortland graduate, is in his seventh year as the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at New Paltz. He has twice been recognized as the SUNYAC Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year – in 1998 with the New Paltz women, and in 1996 with the Hawk men. Williams has continued the rich Hawk swimming tradition started by Hawk Hall of Fame Coach Art Stockin, himself a four-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year.
Under Williams’ leadership, New Paltz has crowned 27 SUNYAC champions and had five national qualifiers. In addition, the women’s swim team has placed a school-best second the last two seasons at the SUNYAC Swimming and Diving Championships.
“I’m honored to be promoted to this position,” the soft-spoken Williams said. “Anything I can do to help the department is a good thing.”
His boss, Interim Athletic Director Stuart Robinson, was more forthright.
“I have always, and I continue to be impressed by Brian’s commitment to his colleagues and the institution,” Robinson said. “When I was asked to serve in this position, both Joe (Kremer) and I thought there was one other person that would complete this transition, and that person was Brian.”
Robinson continued, “I have always had a high regard for Brian’s work and I have the utmost confidence that he will continue to set a higher standard.”
Robinson, who spent the last five years as New Paltz’s Associate Athletic Director, has headed the department since September 13, when Jim Zalacca left after seven years to become the Director of Athletics at SUNY Potsdam. At that time, Assistant Athletic Director Joe Kremer was also promoted, to interim Associate Athletic Director.
The trio’s interim responsibilities will continue until a new Director of Athletics has been appointed. A national search for the position will occur in early spring 2001.
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Note to editors: Photos of Brian Williams are available from the university sports information office at (845) 257-3927.
