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Swimming News: Bob Bowman’s Move Roasted by Fans After Former Texas Swimmer’s Harsh Comment

Published 04/02/2024, 6:30 AM EDT

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Swimming Hall of Famer coach Bob Bowman changed his camp from Arizona to Texas. Breaking the long silence, the officials from the University of Texas authority informed about this transfer. Meanwhile, after serving nine seasons in ASU Sun Devils, the veteran coach received multiple positions in the Longhorns’ camp. 

Apart from being the HC of the men’s swimming and diving team, he will lead the post of director of swimming. That guiding post will bring the women’s team under the purview. So such a huge transformation has raised certain questions. One of those came from a former Texas A&M swimmer. Soon, a lot of exchanges took place, furthering the recruitment debate. 

What matters most to Bob Bowman? 

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Eventually, in the Texas Longhorns men’s team, Bob Bowman will take up the mythical coach Eddie Reese’s position who has seen the best days for the program in the last 46 seasons. But this year the performance remained bleak. However, compared to that, Bowman helped the Arizona men’s swimming and diving squad to earn the national championship this year. So taking a jibe at the appointment, Cameron Kerr, the former Texas A&M swimmer, penned on X: “Can’t beat em buy em?” That invited a lot of whirlwind of facts and features. 

Previously, in his stint with NBAC and Michigan, Bob Bowman nourished swimmers like Michael Phelps, Chase Kalisz, and Allison Schmitt. In the ASU time, the French swimmer Leon Marchand rose to fame, earning 8 NCAA titles under his tutelage. On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns had its best days between 2008 and 2022.

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The women’s squad has yet to achieve the top podium in the last several NCAA championships. Therefore, such a move could raise some eyebrows. Ultimately, Kerr had to accept some difficult decisions, with Bowman being the most debated among fans.

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Fans express their take on the debate 

When Cameron Kerr asked about the feasibility of the deal, several Longhorns fans brought the debate onto the swimming club’s records. One of them was Longhorn Morty. The fan relished the 89-year-old legacy of the program and the jewels it has earned throughout. “Can’t beat who? Texas has 15 national championships in swimming alone. More than any other program, ever,” he said. Soon, the money angle affected the discussion. 

This time, another Texas Longhorns member rose with his facts. In his statement, John Wooten demanded, “Maybe you should have spent more on your other coaches you’d have better results.” It was aimed at the University of Texas authority. The comparison came with coach Pat Henry. He shifted to the Texas A&M track and field team after making history at LSU. So, X-handle, Rick commented, “A&M literally did that with Pat Henry…Maybe Texas should’ve hired Holmes”. It was about Jay Holmes, the swimming coach in the Texas A&M program. 

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Another Longhorns’ member, Derek Ryan claimed, “An Aggie complaining that Texas spent money to get a coach. LMAO. That’s rich.” The same jibe resonated in TK T’s comment: “Aggy can’t beat ‘em or buy ‘em”.  

Years After Michael Phelps’ Exit, Bob Bowman’s Next Star, Eyeing Olympic Gold, Gets Legend’s Backing

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Written by:

Prasun Chakrabarty

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Prasun Chakrabarty is an Olympic Sports Writer for EssentiallySports, who specializes in covering aquatic arena events. Post his experiences with popular publications including PinkVilla, Prasun began his days in ES, by actively covering two prime events - 2023 US Open Swimming Championships and the 2024 TYR Pro Swim Series. Prasun's coverage extends beyond the pool, and he takes specific interest in the progress of the triangular rivalry between track and field stars, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. You can follow him on:-
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Edited by:

Suman Varandani