Sunday Snapshot Into The Mind Of Eddie Reese

Here's a fun fact: the University of Texas men's swimming and diving program has not finished worse than seventh place at the NCAA Championships since 1979. For all of you counting on your fingers right now, I'll save you the trouble. That is 37 years. ​Thirty-seven years... ​unbelievable.​

What is the common denominator to such an unfathomable level of success? Look no further than Longhorns head coach Eddie Reese.

Reese took over the reigns as head honcho at Texas during the 1978-79 season, when his team finished 21st at the NCAA Championships. Since then, Reese has produced 37 consecutive top-10 finishes at NCAAs, 12 NCAA team titles, 60 NCAA individual champions, 44 NCAA relay champions, and 29 Olympians who, in total, have racked up 39 gold medals, 16 silver medals, and eight bronze medals. Reese is also a three-time head coach of the U.S. Olympic men's team (1992, 2004, and 2008).

Moral of the story? Reese is a fountain of never-ending knowledge and wisdom when it comes to the sport of the swimming.

FloSwimming was fortunate to catch up with Reese following a two-day home meet against No. 18 Arizona this past weekend, when his second-ranked Longhorns handily defeated the Wildcats 162-121 on Friday. Saturday's meet was not scored as both teams competed in off-distance events.

Reese talked about a spectrum of topics, from Clark Smith's legendary 2000-yard freestyle to offering to cook meals for ​Will Licon. ​It's Sunday, so take a seat on the couch, get comfortable, and watch as Reese shares his thoughts.​
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