During his 14 years as SBU's men's swimming and diving coach, Kevin McNamee compiled a record of 89-52 in dual meets, and was instrumental in making swimming a scholarship program, increasing the number of tuition scholarships from three to 12 over a four-year period.
A native of Olean, McNamee was the Eastern Intercollegiate Coach of the Year three times, in 1986, 1988 and 1992. His team won the Eastern Intercollegiate Championship in 1987-88, taking second in 1991-92, third in 1985-86 and 1988-89 and fourth in 1990-91. His swimmers qualified for national and international competition, with five competing in the U.S. Nationals in 1981-82, and one each competing in the Olympic Games and going to the Olympic trials in 1987-88.
McNamee, who also served as an assistant director of athletics at SBU, was designated a Master's Coach by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America, recognizing not only his longevity and achievement of a master's degree, but also his record of winning more than half his meets against NCAA schools, his active service in the CSCAA and his conducting a sanctioned coaching institute.
He also served six years as a member of the NCAA Diving Committee, including three years as its chair.
