Arizona Swim Coach Eric Hansen Taking Leave of Absence

by SwimSwam Staff 24

October 22nd, 2013 College, News, Pac-12

Eric Hansen, head coach of the Arizona swimming and diving program, is taking a leave of absence.

There has been no comment for the reason behind his leave of absence, only this brief statement from Director of Athletics Greg Byrne:

“Coach Eric Hansen is currently attending to personal matters that require him to be away from his coaching responsibilities. We wish Eric the best during this time.  Associate Head Coach Rick DeMont will provide leadership to the program in Eric’s absence.”

Hansen is an Arizona Wildcats alum, and he’s had great success in his second year as head coach. The men earned a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships and five national titles,  notably Kevin Cordes’ 1:48 200 breaststroke win that stunned the Indy crowd.

SwimSwam was unable to reach Hansen for comment.

This NCAA powerhouse is in good hands under associate head coach Rick DeMont, who is in his 25th season on the Wildcat coaching staff.  DeMont is a former world record holder in the 400 meter freestyle.

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Richard Saunders
10 years ago

Not only can you say banned you could say embezzle

What!?
Reply to  Richard Saunders
10 years ago

Those are extremely harsh allegations that could certainly end a career. What evidence is there of any wrongdoing? Sounds like a smear campaign to me.

Richard Saunders
10 years ago

Can you say the word banned?!

ZonaAlum
11 years ago

What I’ve heard around town is that Hansen “disappeared” and no one on the team could find him for days. If you need a sabbatical – take it during the summer. Do NOT do something like this into the NCAA season and school year. Massively disappointing.

Admin
Reply to  ZonaAlum
11 years ago

ZonaAlum – I have spoken to several members of the team, and they said that this is absolutely untrue. The day before coach Hansen took his leave of absence, he was with the team, as they returned from a meet.

WildBird
Reply to  ZonaAlum
11 years ago

WOW! So Personal Issues must wait til after the NCAA season and school year, REALLY! Compassion does not seem to be your strong point ZONAALUM. Let’s see what Associate Head Coach Rick DeMont can do and pray that Coach Hansen returns very soon…GO CATS!

ZonaAlum
Reply to  WildBird
11 years ago

Guys he still has not announced that he is ill, or announced anything. I know we all want to feel bad for someone when they are having a hard time, but who just walks away?? AS an arizona alum, I am pre-qualified to have an opinion when something is disappointing. Those things being said, I also know Rick DeMont is a master of adversity and will keep battling to keep Zona united to have an awesome season.

SwimFan
11 years ago

This could harm their recruiting. Will he be back?

The beach
11 years ago

I seem to remember cooper broke 4:00 in a meet in Australia, perhaps their trials. Can someone check on that? Demont then beat him in Belgrade.

swimdad
11 years ago

The question that is hanging out there that hasn’t been addressed is why Eric Hansen taking a leave of absence. The only thing I can imagine is that he is ill. If thats the case I hope he is well soon

SwimFever
11 years ago

Just FYI: Erik is a “true” alum of Iowa State where he swam for Bob Groseth, back in the day. He seems to have received his graduate degree there at UofA though,

He also is in his second year as Head Coach at UofA

The beach
11 years ago

I believe if you check , Brad Cooper was the first swimmer under 4:00

MarkB
Reply to  The beach
11 years ago

No, Rick DeMont was!

Admin
Reply to  MarkB
11 years ago

Demont is the correct answer. Cooper has the faster time in prelims, and at the time it was a Meet Record, but at a 4:02.3 it was far from four minutes. In finals, Cooper was 3:58.12, Cooper was 3:58.70.

billy
Reply to  The beach
11 years ago

Listen to me, I know what I’m talking about. Most of you were probably not even alive in 1972. I was in high school and remember the race vividly.