PHOENIX, Arizona, November 15. WITH news that Mark Schubert is out as the National Team Head Coach of USA Swimming, many in the swimming community are unhappy with the decision by USA Swimming.
An online petition has begun to circulate asking USA Swimming to restore Schubert back to his position with the organization.
Here is the text of the petition:
Many coaches around the country are concerned about the recent firing of our National Team Director and Coach, Mark Schubert, by USA Swimming, Executive Director, Chuck Wielgus. This action was taken without a significant input from the coaches and without the advice and consent of the Board of Directors. This type of power play by the Executive Director is unacceptable. The coaching community needs to respond to this action. We invite your participation in our initial response.
Bruce Stratton, President, USA Swimming
Chuck Wielgus, Executive Director, USA Swimming
USA Swimming Board of Directors
On behalf of the USA Swimming coaching community and athletes, as represented by the undersigned coaches and athletes, we would like to present an urgent demand that the Board of Directors of USA Swimming direct Executive Director Wielgus to reinstate our National Team Coach and Director, Mark Schubert, to his rightful position as National Team Coach and Director. It is our sincere belief that said action is in the best interests of our athletes and the success of USA Swimming and we want to strongly encourage you to act promptly, before there is a further disruption to our national team effort.
If you are interested in signing the petition, it is available here.