Alan Switzer Jr., the former coach of the University of Maine and Plymouth State University swimming teams, has died. He turned 90 years old last month.
Switzer led Maine’s men’s team for 18 years, dating back to its inception in 1971. Following his tenure with the Black Bears, he took over the women-only program at Plymouth State University, a position he held until 2018.
Switzer was named the first head coach of the Black Bears beginning in the 1971 season. During his tenure the team finished with a 139-61 record in dual meets, as well as winning two New England Championships. In 2001 he was inducted into the University of Maine Hall of Fame.
Following his departure from Maine he took over as the head coach of Plymouth State University, a position that he would hold for 27 years. He would go on to help guide the Panthers to a 143-126 record, including seven straight winning seasons. During his time leading the team, he had multiple swimmers achieve NCAA ‘B’ Provisional time standards. During the 1996-1997 season he led the Panthers to a program-record ten-win season.
While leading Plymouth State, Switzer was named as the recipient of the Charles Batterman Award on four separate occasions. The award is given New England Women’s Diving Coach of the Year, an honor he received in 2003, 2004, 2017, and 2018.
Switzer was a graduate of Harvard in 1952, earning his Master’s in Education from the school two years later. Prior to taking over the UMaine team he was a teacher and coach at The Hill School, a position he held for 9 years, and Hebron Academy. He also coached football and basketball teams at The Hill School.
Switzer was a military veteran, serving in the army in the Korean War.
The University of Maine swimming and diving annually awards the Switzer Dedication Award to an athlete who honors the virtues set forward during his time leading the program.
I knew him at Hebron. He was the best thing that ever happened to me. After watching my pathetic performance on his football team, he devised a special program for me. He made me run, jog or walk four miles, then do fifty sit-ups, fifty push-ups Resting if I needed, ALL BEFORE I could go to dinner. Made a boy into a man. I think I owe my life to that man.
A great man, who really helped put Maine swimming on the collegiate map while coaching up in Orono. Also di a nice job while at Plymouth State. RIP Al