Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina while Tappin and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife, Ashley. Tappin, an Olympic Gold Medalists pursue other career interests.
Tappin successfully began the Privateer women’s swimming program in 2004 and led the team for each of the last three years. The former Olympic gold medalist was instrumental in keeping the program going following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, getting the team to Georgia before bringing the team back in February 2006.
This past winter, the Privateers finished sixth in the Sun Belt Conference championships and saw eight school records fall during the three-day event.
"I would like to thank the University of New Orleans, and particularly Jim Miller, for giving me a chance to lay a foundation for women's swimming here at UNO,” Tappin said. “We have made some great strides in building this program, and that is due to many dedicated young ladies who are great representatives for UNO."
Stefanski and Limkemann both joined Pitt's swimming and diving staff during the 2004-05 season and we're both standout swimmers under Pitt head coach Chuck Knoles. Stefanski was a 1997 NCAA Championship qualifier amd school record-holder in the 200 freestyle (1:37.18). Before coming to Pitt, Stefanski coached the University of Rochester's men's and women's swimming and diving teams in 2003-04 and earned the University Athletic Association's Women's Coach of the Year award. He also coached the first NCAA qualifier at Rochester in seven years.
"Eric was a great asset to our program and our `Team Pittsburgh' operations," Knoles said. "I am excited for his opportunities at UNC. The Panthers will miss him. He was a big part of our program."
Limkemann won nine Big East titles during his career at Pitt and was a 2002 NCAA qualifier in the 1650 free. A four-time conference winner in the 1650 freestyle, Limkemann is one of only two swimmers in school history to win a Big East title in the same event in each of his four years at Pitt.
Upon graduating from Pitt, Limkemann found success in the world of triathlons, winning numerous events including the Pittsburgh Triathlon in 2006 and obtained pro status. He recently placed third at the Columbia Triathlon in Maryland and will compete in the 2007 Rincon Triathlon ITU Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico on June 10.
"We are proud of Eric's history here at Pitt and will continue to cheer for him in his competitions and in life," Knoles said.
