Voyaging from EMU to other opportunities, former assistant throwing coach Pete Szelwach resigned amidst the outdoor track season, coming as a shock to many right after Spring Break.
The impact of coaches on student-athletes is paramount in their athletic and academic journeys. Coaches begin interacting with athletes during the recruiting process, which starts as early as a few years before the student comes to EMU. This is an important time in athletes’ lives where they must decide which college to attend, and part of that decision comes from the sports environment and coaches. Athletes and coaches spend a lot of time together, especially during their season, between trainings, meetings, games, and so much more that requires support from someone students can look up to. “Coaches are supporting academic success, mental and physical wellbeing, offering leadership development, requiring strength training and fundraising around a shared goal of excellence, and are often the go-to person for discussing the day to day celebrations and challenges inherent in a college student’s life,” said Carrie Bert, Director of Athletics.
Szelwach left a lasting impact on his student-athletes, going beyond his coaching position. Sophomore thrower Emma Greer grew close to Szelwach, explaining their relationship with each other to be “trusting, patient, and understanding.” When Greer needed him, she knew there was an open line of communication. “Although our time together was short, he had a huge impact on me as an athlete and person,” said Greer. “The knowledge, wisdom, and confidence I gained throughout his time here is something I will cherish.” Greer, now in her second year as a thrower for EMU, explained that her transition to becoming a collegiate athlete was different, attempting to juggle volleyball and joining the throws team. Yet through it all, Greer kept an open mind. Through many conversations with Szelwach, Greer was able to navigate and grow both mentally and physically in her sport. Moving further into the track season without Szelwach, Greer aims to remember the knowledge and strength Szelwach taught her. “[Szelwach] has shaped me into the athlete I am today, and for that I am grateful,” said Greer.
Szelwach not only left a lasting impression on his upperclassmen but also on his first-year students. First-year thrower Addison Shanholtz explained that when she was approached by Szelwach, she appreciated the opportunity but was not going to accept it. Through working with Szelwach for the indoor season, Shanholtz was able to accomplish all her pre-season goals and more. This year, she even started the track season participating in an event unfamiliar to her, the hammer. Working with Szelwach, Shanholtz was able to build her confidence and now feels better moving forward into the outdoor season. “I think our team has the mindset of ‘doing it for Pete’ going into competition and this upcoming season,” said Shanholtz. Shanholtz also noted the amount of physical and mental growth she has experienced in her time working with Szelwach, opening her eyes to her true capabilities. “Pete was more than a coach, he was a mentor,” said Shanholtz. “I’m lucky to have gotten the time I did with someone who believed in me and my potential when I had no clue what I was capable of.”
Bob Hepler, Director of Cross Country, Track & Field, and Triathlon, said that Szelwach was “truly loved by his athletes.” He explained that Szelwach was not only a coach, but a mentor as well. He echoes many of the sentiments of student-athletes affected by Szelwach’s leave.
But what does Szelwach’s absence mean for the university?
“Coaching transitions happen more frequently than some folks realize, particularly at a small school like EMU,” said Bert. Bert explained that EMU athletics is often just a starting point for new or young coaches, where they can gain experience or explore their career. Though given the right fit, Athletics does what it can to keep coaches at EMU. “Consistency in the right coaching staff is certainly preferred for the growth of the program,” said Bert. EMU has also recently announced the retirement of long-time softball coach JD McCurdy. With many transitions happening across athletics on campus, Bert said the athletics department is working hard to minimize coaching transitions, but when it occurs, “our goal is to be as open with a team as personnel changes allow; being transparent with an expected timeline for replacement and giving the team opportunity to engage in the process of selecting a new coach.”
Looking ahead, Hepler said that the position was posted and many worthy applicants have been received. The screening process was projected to start earlier this week. Though there is no coach, Hepler explained that there have been many people still working with the athletes, including Amanda Wahler, a former top college thrower, former NCAA All-American Ray Ray Taylor, and EMU junior Lily Gatesman. “Our throwers are key members of our team,” said Hepler. “It is important that we find a quality coach so that the throwers get the experience they deserve.”
