Swim coach resigns

After 14 years of service to Panther swimming and diving, men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Peter Solomon announced his resignation on Monday night, April 25. The members of the swim teams were informed Monday night and have since been instructed by members of the athletic department administration not to discuss Solomon’s resignation with members of the press.
In a statement released by the athletic department, Solomon said, “I feel fortunate to have worked for Middlebury College and to have represented the athletic department for the past 14 years. I am grateful that as I grew up, I had some excellent coaches and role models. I wanted to give back to the sport that was such an important part of my development. Middlebury has provided me with a wonderful opportunity.”
In the same statement, Director of Athletics Erin Quinn shared his thoughts on Solomon’s resignation.
“Peter Solomon has inspired numerous swimmers at Middlebury to give their best, and his work as a coach is reflected in the many friendships he has with alumni,” Quinn said. “The College is very thankful for his years of service and wishes him well as he moves on to his next challenge.”
President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz received several members of the men’s and women’s swim teams during his open office hours on Tuesday in response to Solomon’s resignation. In February, all members of the women’s swimming and diving teams except for first-years were forbidden from competing in team meets after allegations of hazing were brought forth by the administration. A portion of the men’s swim team’s schedule was also canceled due to the same allegations.
During Solomon’s tenure as head coach, Middlebury swimming and diving won numerous individual national championships, most recently by John Dillon ’11 in 2010 and 2011 in the . The men’s team was the NESCAC champion in 2002, and the women finished as the NESCAC runners-up five times. Solomon was named New England’s Division III coach of the year four times during his tenure, and NESCAC coach of the year three times. Additionally, he served as Director of the Natatorium, the College’s swimming and diving facility. The College has no immediate plans for replacing Solomon at this time.