Albiero Named to Cardinal Swimming Post
August 26, 2003 | Swimming & Diving
Aug. 26, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Arthur Albiero, associate head coach at the University of Alabama, has been named head swim coach at the University of Louisville.
Albiero, who spent four years as an assistant for the Crimson Tide, was named the associate head coach at UA prior to last season.
"We are delighted to have someone with Arthur's background and enthusiasm join our staff," said Athletic Director Tom Jurich. "As we embark on the construction of the new natatorium, we need someone with his passion to take this program to the highest level."
Last season, the Tide's men had their highest national finish since 1994, taking 12th place after a fifth place finish at the SEC Championships. The women posted their highest finish since 1996, taking 15th place in the NCAA meet after a fourth place finish at the SEC Championships.
"What interested me in the University of Louisville program was the incredibly supportive athletic administration," said Albiero. "The building of the new natatorium vouches for their commitment to this program. Tom Jurich and senior associate athletic director Julie Hermann want to win and are willing to support the program in any way to achieve that."
Albiero knows winning. He helped coach sophomore Stefan Gherghel, who became the first Alabama swimmer to repeat as NCAA Champion. Gherghel, a 2000 Olympian, won his second consecutive NCAA in the 200-butterfly with a school record. Gherghel's title in 2001 marked the Tide's first swimming NCAA title since 1983. Albiero also coached Anne Poleska and Vlad Polyakov at Alabama. Poleska was the NCAA runner-up in the 200-breast and this summer, she set a new German record for the 200-breaststroke at the World Championships in Barcelona where she placed fourth. Polyakov was runner-up in the 200-breaststroke at the NCAAs.
Albiero is credited with being an integral part of the rebuilding of the Alabama swimming and diving program. During his tenure, the Tide returned to the Top 20 for the past two seasons.
"One of my strengths is my relationship with the athlete. I am demanding but reasonable. I believe that you must enjoy the process of preparation," said Albiero.
At UA, the native of Brazil oversaw the middle distance and stroke athletes and directed all areas of the program including recruiting and strength and conditioning. Recruiting will become a priority for Albiero.
"We have a great situation here: a new coach and a new pool which will bring a new attitude and create momentum for this program to transform U of L into a nationally recognized program," said Albiero. "The theme for this year is for the kids who are here to perform, take ownership of their team and help in recruiting. It is a question of our imagination and seeing what it can be as opposed to what it is."
A successful swimmer himself, Albiero was an 18-time All-American swimmer for Oakland University where he helped lead the Pioneers to three straight NCAA Division II team titles. He also earned three NCAA titles and was Scholastic All-American three of those years.
"I believe you have to have fun to swim fast," said Albiero. "My main goal is to continue to establish a practice environment that is highly conducive to excellence in the classroom and the pool."
After graduation from Oakland in 1996 with a bachelor's in psychology with a minor in exercise physiology, he joined the staff at Kenyon College, a perennial powerhouse in Division III. During his three years at the helm, the Lords and Ladies of Kenyon won six national championships, three for the men and three for the women. Albiero also coached at the club level, working with the Oakland Live Y'ers in Michigan as well as running Oakland's Swim Camp and the Total Performance Swim Camp.
Albiero is married to the former Amy Comerford, herself a former standout swimmer at Oakland. The couple has three children, Estefan, Nicolas and Gabriela.
