Lisa Returns to Rowan

Tony Lisa returns for his second stint as head coach of the Rowan University men’s and women’s swim teams. The appointment was announced today by associate athletic director Dan Gilmore.

Lisa previously coached at the University for 30 years. He compiled a 228-78-1 record as the men’s coach (30 years) and a 169-51 mark (21 years) with the women. Lisa produced a .754 overall winning percentage during that time.

The past two years, he was an assistant swim coach and the recruiting coordinator at the U.S. Military Academy. Last year, he coached the sprinters. Lisa replaces Miki Bogert who resigned after two seasons.

“I enjoyed my 30 years at Rowan and loved the team that we had when I left for the United States Military Academy,” said Lisa. “At the time, I went there for a new and different coaching experience. I enjoyed it and feel like I’ve grown professionally.”

“I’m ready to start again, armed with more knowledge of coaching, recruiting and developing the character of student-athletes,” Lisa continued. “I’ve confirmed in my mind what it takes to be a superior student-athlete. I understand that college athletes don’t need to be pampered if they have a firm understanding of their goals. Sacrifices need to be made by the student-athlete if their goals include outstanding grades and optimal performance.”

In 2003, Lisa received the Richard E. Steadman Award from the College Swim Coaches Association (CSCAA). He was the 12th recipient of the award. The Richard E. Steadman Award is conferred annually to a swimming or diving coach in high school, club or university ranks who, in the opinion of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. and the CSCAA Forum, has done the most to spread joy and happiness in swimming and diving.

Richard E. Steadman was a former CSCAA president and was active in the College Forum for over 50 years. He was a leader in the International Swimming Hall of Fame and received its highest honor winning the Collegiate Swimming Trophy in 1961. Steadman demonstrated a caring and loving relationship for his fellow coaches and athletes which he maintained throughout his career.

The women's team captured nine consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) titles from 1991 to 1999. Lisa was named the NJAC Women's Coach of the Year four consecutive times from 1994 to 1997. He was also selected Women’s Coach of the Year at the 1998 Metropolitan Championships.

In 2001, Lisa was the assistant coach for the silver medal winning World All-Stars at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia. He was also the assistant coach for the World All-Stars at the 2001 World Sprint Cup.

Lisa has guided two athletes to NCAA Division III Championships, Teri Hatcher in the women’s 100 breaststroke (1:06.07 in 1994, 1:05.85 in 1996) and Craig Naylor in the men’s 400 individual medley (4:01.52 in 1992). The women recorded seventh place finishes at the NCAA Championships in 1995 and 1996, while the men were ninth in 1992 and 1996. His teams were recognized annually on the Academic All-America squads.

Lisa is a past president of the College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) which includes all swim teams from NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA and junior colleges. He served as the organization's president from 1998-2001. Prior to the position, he was a member of the CSCAA board of directors.

In addition, Lisa was an assistant athletic director at Rowan and a member of the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame. He graduated from Glassboro State in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and later received his master’s in 1978. Lisa was a goalkeeper on the Profs’ soccer team for three years.