The following is a press release courtesy of the University of Akron:
Peresie Receives Five-Year Contract Extension
AKRON, Ohio — University of Akron swimming and diving head coach Brian Peresie has received afive-year contract extension, Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill announced on Wednesday. The extension, which is pending approval by the UA Board of Trustees, will keep Peresie at the helm of the program through the 2020 season.
“We are excited about what Coach Peresie has done with the program in his first two seasons,” Wistrcill said. “This extension is a reward for that performance and hard work, and shows our commitment to Coach Peresie as he guides our two-time MAC Championship women’s swimming program into the national spotlight.”
“I am thrilled with the commitment that Tom Wistrcill, President Scarborough, the Board of Trustees, and The University of Akron has made in me and our women’s swimming and diving program,” Peresie said. “My family and I have enjoyed our time in Akron, and I look forward to working with our staff and department as we strive to lead this program to even greater accomplishments.”
Peresie recently completed his second season as the Zips’ mentor, leading Akron to back-to-back Mid-American Conference championships, a first in program history. He was also named the MAC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
In 2014-15, eight Zips earned MAC postseason honors, while 13 Zips earned Academic All-MAC accolades. The Zips had three relay teams– the 200-yard medley relay, 200-yard freestyle relay and 400-yard medley relay– win events at the MAC Championships. The victory in the 400-yard medley relay was a program first. Over the course of the season, Akron set three MAC records, broke 18 program records in 13 events, and re-wrote seven pool records at various locations. Seven individuals attained the NCAA “B” standard.
Paloma Marrero Munoz was crowned a 2015 MAC champion in the 200-yard breaststroke at a Jones Natatorium pool record time of 2:13.34. Her performance also bested the Akron program record by nearly four seconds and marked Akron’s first-ever individual MAC championship in the event.
During his first season at the helm, Peresie was named the 2013-14 Mid-American Conference Swimming Coach of the Year and led UA to capture its first MAC Championship.
Additionally, the team set 11 varsity records and received numerous MAC post-season honors during the 2013-14 campaign. Peresie helped UA notch its first-ever individual MAC Championship in the 50 freestyle and as well as Akron’s first-ever first place relays, coming in the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.
Two swimmers were named to the All-MAC first team, while three were tabbed for second team All-MAC. Four members of his squad were also named to the Academic All-MAC team.
Peresie has directed the efforts of 11 MAC champions in five relay and two individual events at the 2014 and 2015 Mid-American Conference Championships.
Under Peresie’s guidance, the program earned Scholar All-America Team honors three times (2013 Fall, 2014 Spring, 2014 Fall) from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America as six Zips were also recognized with Individual Scholar All-America Awards, the most of any team in the MAC.
Peresie was named head coach of Akron’s swimming and diving team on May 2, 2013.
Congrats to Akron. Brian has done a great job. 2 titles in 2 years shows he’s the best coach in the MAC. Don’t expect anybody else to pass them in the next many years. He not only recruits well but also makes them much better once they get to campus
Congratulations! Well deserved! Go Zips!