Long-time Air Force swimming coach Keith “Casey” Converse has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2017. Converse is in his 29th season of coaching at the Academy. A 1976 US Olympian and NCAA Champion swimmer at the University of Alabama, Converse began his tenure in 1988 as the first civilian swim coach in Academy history.
Photo Courtesy: Alabama Athletics
“We are so grateful for Casey’s tremendous service to the Air Force Academy over the last 29 years,” director of athletics Jim Knowlton said. “His leadership, loyalty and vision for nearly three decades have been instrumental in our women winning two national titles, progressing to Division I status in the Mountain West, and providing our Air Force outstanding leaders of character as second lieutenants. Casey has left an incredible legacy here at the Academy and we wish him and his family all the best for continued success in his retirement.”
From 1988 to 1997, Converse led both the men’s and women’s swim teams. Success came quickly as the men’s team moved from the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference to a second-place finish in 1991. Under Converse’s guidance, the Air Force women’s team made Academy history by winning back-to-back Division II National Championships in 1995 and 1996.
“Casey Converse will certainly be a hard act to follow,” said George Nelson, associate athletic director and sport administrator for swimming. “Twenty-nine years ago he stepped on the pool deck and energized both of our swimming programs in reaching new heights. From national championships to countless All-Americans who are now doing great things in and out of the Air Force, his impact has been felt way beyond the gates of USAFA.”
“Casey Converse has been an institution at the Air Force Academy,” said Randy Spetman, Air Force Academy director of athletics from 1996-2003. “Both as an athlete and a coach, I have so much respect for Casey. He is a man of tremendous integrity and his work ethic is second to none. He has touched so many young lives over his 29 years that both he and his family should be extremely proud of what he has accomplished. It was a great honor for me to work with him and celebrate those national championships. I wish him all the best in his retirement and all his future endeavors.”
Following the move of Air Force women’s teams to Division I in 1997, Converse focused his attention solely on coaching the women’s team and took on a faculty position in the physical education department. That same year, the Air Force women again made history when Connie Cann became the first female cadet to qualify for the NCAA Championships in head-to-head Division I competition.
Converse’s teams have amassed a 309-205-2 (as of Dec. 9, 2016) dual meet record over 29 seasons, making him the winningest coach in Academy history. Converse has coached 32 individuals who have earned NCAA Division I and II All-American honors 178 times. He has guided six athletes to 13 national titles and four relay teams to national titles, including the 1996 400 medley relay team that set a new NCAA Division II record. Most recently, current senior Genevieve Miller made history last year by becoming the only female swimmer from any service academy to ever score at the Division I Swimming Championships. Miller placed 13th in the 500 and 10th in the mile in 2016, earning honorable mention All-America honors.
“Working for the athletes at the Air Force Academy, where the student’s guiding principles are integrity, service and excellence is the greatest honor of my life,” Converse said. “I deeply admire the cadets who accept both the challenge of the Academy and offer their service to the nation. My hat is off to those who take on the additional time and energy commitment of competing as Division I athletes.
“I so much appreciate John Clune and Micky King for giving me this opportunity so many years ago. It has been a privilege to have some measure of influence in the lives of young people who will go on to lead influential lives in the Air Force, the nation and in their own families. I have loved every minute of coaching the swimmers at the Air Force Academy. The energy and camaraderie of each team over the years is always unique. I know I will miss being a part of the day-to-day process of personal growth that occurs in young people during their cadet careers. Many thanks to Jim Knowlton, and my sport supervisors over the years, Associate Athletic Directors Marti Gasser and George Nelson.”
The Academy will conduct a nation-wide search for Converse’s replacement beginning in the spring. Associate head coach Colleen Murphy will take over the day-to-day operation of off-season practices following the NCAA Championships in March.
Press release courtesy of the Air Force Academy.
What a man!
Casey’s imprint on the sport of swimming will be left in many ways. One is that he was the first human to ever swim faster than 15 minutes in the 1650. Another is his book “Munich to Montreal” that he wrote in large part to try to recognize his wronged female teammates from the Montreal Olympics.
But an even bigger reason is the kindness he spreads around to colleagues and athletes while maintaining an expectation for all of us to be engaged in the sport like he is: with the heart of a champion. We need people like Casey in the sport because he is someone that both children and adults can admire–he makes us better just because who he is. Casey Converse has been providing the sport additional heart and humanity. If Paul Simon can sing “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?” I can comfortably write, Casey, you may be leaving coaching, but fortunately so many of us will always be with, and affected positively, by you.
Congratulations Casey on a career committed to our great sport & all of the athletes you coached!