When Eva Fabian crossed the finish line to win the Pan Am medal last week it marked the latest in what has been a busy six weeks for proud father Dr. Jack Fabian. The biggest news is that the distance genius and Pan Am Open Water head coach is stepping down at Keene State to become the resident coach for U.S. Paralympics Swimming.
When he assumed the reins from Al Rozzi in 2006 he inherited a middle-to-upper NEISDA program and was given the option of cutting men's swimming to make for a more competitive women's budget. Nine years later both men and women have become dominant en route to eleven NEISDA titles, and both have made their mark nationally with seventeen All-Americans. Moreover, during his tenure, the Owls elevated Fabian's position to full-time.
“Coaching at Keene State has been one of the greatest joys in my life,” said Fabian. “I have made many lifelong friends at KSC and will always consider myself an Owl. I would like to thank all the KSC coaches, faculty, admissions, sports information and the athletic department staff for their support of the program. I would especially like to thank Joel Feldman for volunteering her time to coach the program; Jeanne Hearn for her dedication and passion for working with our student-athletes that use the Aspire Program; Global Education Office for helping our international students feel welcome at Keene State, and my current assistant coach Dan Morse for his dedication to the program.”
Chris Woolridge, who was brought on by Fabian when he was hired will take over as interim head coach at the beginning of August. Woolridge is also current head coach of the Exeter Swim Club,
“Chris Woolridge is an alumni of Keene State and one of the top coaches in New England. He understands the culture of success and excellence we value and have developed at KSC. He will bring creativity and passion that will energize the returning and incoming athletes in the program,” said Fabian.
