Joe Murtha has been elevated to Head Coach of the Manhattan Men’s & Women’s Swimming and Diving programs.
"I am honored to be appointed as Coach (Walter) Olsewski's successor as he has done a tremendous job over the years,” said Murtha. “I am looking forward to continuing the tradition of putting out a team that excels at the highest level, both academically and athletically.”
Murtha has spent the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach for both teams while serving as the recruiting coordinator.
"Coach Murtha has done an outstanding job throughout the years with the Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams. He is dedicated to the success of our student-athletes in the classroom as well as the pool,” said Senior Woman’s Administrator Amanda McEntire. “I'm excited for him in this next phase of his career and could not be happier for him to lead our program."
“Wally has been a tremendous ambassador for the college over the last 19 years,” said Deputy Athletic Director Tony Vecchione. “A Manhattan alum, he truly epitomizes what it means to be a Jasper.”
During his time he also helped resurrect the men’s swimming & diving program in 2008-2009.
“Having coached over 430 student-athletes since 1997 has been exhilarating and exciting,” said Olsewski. “Being able to see these kids develop into outstanding athletes and in the classroom is an experience I will never forget."
A 1968 Manhattan graduate, Olsewski assumed the head coaching reigns of the women’s team for the 1997-1998 season and guided the Jaspers to a 155-124 record and 11 winning seasons during his illustrious tenure.
As the coach of the men’s team, he guided Manhattan to a 57-50 mark and six winning campaigns over his eight seasons.
“Being able to return to my alma mater and be in the position to give back was a dream come true,” said Olsewski. “What I got back in return from Manhattan and the student-athletes was something that can’t be measured and is something I will always treasure.”
During his time in Riverdale, Olsewski saw almost 100 percent of his student-athletes graduate.
Murtha swam collegiately at Fordham University from 2004-2008 in the ultra-competitive Atlantic 10 conference.
