Upcoming Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus Alumni Meet on October 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Men's Swimming & Diving
vs Alumni Meet
Saturday, September 15
Salt Lake City, UT
10:30 AM
University of Utah
vs
Alumni Meet
Utah Athletics Dedicates Pool to Don Reddish
9/15/2018 1:21 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
Long-time swimming and diving coach honored by Utes at annual alumni meet
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Athletics honored one of its pillars this afternoon as the pool at Ute Natatorium was dedicated to former coach Don Reddish.
"It was an honor to be a part of this special occasion today," head coach Joe Dysktra said. "Don has made such an indelible impact on not just this program, but the athletic department and the university. We are all very proud to be able to dedicate this pool to him today."
In front of friends, colleagues and swimming & diving student athletes, past and present, Reddish spoke briefly about his time coaching at Utah. Dykstra, Athletics Director Mark Harlan, Crimson Club Hall of Famer Shawn Roland, junior swimmer Brody Lewis and Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Tami Johnson, joined him at the microphone.
During his 37 years at the helm of the program, Reddish captured 19 conference titles and was president of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. Compiling a dual-meet record of 267-84-6 (.701), Reddish coached championship teams in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
His influence, still felt today, is evident at Ute Natatorium, a building he literally laid the groundwork for 50 years ago. His name is also on the award given to the athletic department's most outstanding coach in sports other than football, basketball and gymnastics.
Reddish's coaching career began by accident. Following a stint in the service during World War II, he had remaining college credits to finish. The athletic director at the time, Ike Armstrong, called to offer a position in the department finding jobs around campus for football players during the era prior to scholarships.
Reddish took the part-time job and never looked back. With the exception of two years he served in the Korean War, he coached the Utes until his retirement at the age of 68 in 1990.
"To have all these former student-athletes here, competing with some of our current Utes is such a thrill," Dysktra added. "We are happy to have Don here to recognize his accomplishments. I hope everyone in attendance was able to enjoy themselves while appreciating his legacy."
After the presentation, the alumni meet was highlighted by four Utah record holders competing in the 400 medley relay; Nick Soedel (free), Paul Ungur (back), Jack Burton (breast) and Alex Fernandes (fly).
"It was an honor to be a part of this special occasion today," head coach Joe Dysktra said. "Don has made such an indelible impact on not just this program, but the athletic department and the university. We are all very proud to be able to dedicate this pool to him today."
In front of friends, colleagues and swimming & diving student athletes, past and present, Reddish spoke briefly about his time coaching at Utah. Dykstra, Athletics Director Mark Harlan, Crimson Club Hall of Famer Shawn Roland, junior swimmer Brody Lewis and Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Tami Johnson, joined him at the microphone.
During his 37 years at the helm of the program, Reddish captured 19 conference titles and was president of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. Compiling a dual-meet record of 267-84-6 (.701), Reddish coached championship teams in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
His influence, still felt today, is evident at Ute Natatorium, a building he literally laid the groundwork for 50 years ago. His name is also on the award given to the athletic department's most outstanding coach in sports other than football, basketball and gymnastics.
Reddish's coaching career began by accident. Following a stint in the service during World War II, he had remaining college credits to finish. The athletic director at the time, Ike Armstrong, called to offer a position in the department finding jobs around campus for football players during the era prior to scholarships.
Reddish took the part-time job and never looked back. With the exception of two years he served in the Korean War, he coached the Utes until his retirement at the age of 68 in 1990.
"To have all these former student-athletes here, competing with some of our current Utes is such a thrill," Dysktra added. "We are happy to have Don here to recognize his accomplishments. I hope everyone in attendance was able to enjoy themselves while appreciating his legacy."
After the presentation, the alumni meet was highlighted by four Utah record holders competing in the 400 medley relay; Nick Soedel (free), Paul Ungur (back), Jack Burton (breast) and Alex Fernandes (fly).
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