Coach Urbanchek was born August 23, 1936. For most of you, that was long before you came into this world, and he's still going stronger than most of us here today. That in itself is a Hall of Fame honor! Coach Urbanchek attended the University of Michigan, where he was both an All American and member of the 1959 and 1961 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championship Team. After college, he had an illustrious career at Anaheim High School (1963-1978) where he coached both swimming and water polo. Not only enough coaching two teams and teaching full time, he also co-founded the Fullerton Aquatic Sports Team (FAST Swimming, Fullerton, California).
In December of 2019, the newly-rebuilt pool at Anaheim High School was officially renamed the John Urbanchek Aquatic Complex.
After leaving Anaheim High School in 1978, he became the Head Coach for Long Beach State, where he coached the 49er's Swim Program for five years. Coach Urbanchek then started in 1982 the Renaissance of the Michigan Men's swimming program. Within four years, he won the Big 10 swim championship and then continued to win another 9 in a row, establishing a Decade of Dominance. Did I mention to say, during that time he also won the NCAA Championship and won a total of thirteen Big 10 Championships during his time. He also was on the staff of seven Olympic Swimming Teams: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012.Two of them were after he retired.
Upon retiring from Michigan in 2004, he assisted the school club team (Club Wolverine). He was inducted into both the International Swimming Hall of Fame 2008 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
So much for retirement. In 2018 he became USA Swimming National Team Technical Advisor, which he held until 2020 and won the USA Swimming Award.
To the Man who will NEVER RETIRE, we take great privilege of honoring you!
