Garden City, N.Y. - Bill Irwin, former coach of the men's and women's swimming programs (1966-1978) and member of the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame, passed away on October 31, 2017.
With a vast knowledge of the sport, a desire to see his student-athletes improve, and a wonderful sense of humor, Coach Irwin transformed Adelphi's swim program. Over the course of his 12 years at the helm of the program, Coach Irwin mentored three NCAA All-Americans, two qualifiers for the 1968 Olympic Trials, and was instrumental in the formation of a women's swim team, which had its first national qualifier for the AIAW Intercollegiate National Championships in 1970.
The impact Coach Irwin made at Adelphi resonated with those he mentored long after they graduated. In 2007, nearly 30 years after his retirement, Coach Irwin was inducted into the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame. That same year, former Adelphi swimmers honored their coach, mentor, and friend by establishing the "William J. Irwin Swimming Scholarship" at the University.
In lieu of flowers, Coach Irwin's family has asked for donations to be made to his scholarship. If you would like to make your gift online, please do so using this link and in the comments section write "William J. Irwin Swimming Scholarship." If you would like to make a gift by check, please send it, along with any letters of condolence, to the Office of University Advancement. Checks should be made out to "Adelphi University, William J. Irwin Swimming Scholarship" and sent to the following address:
Adelphi University
Office of University Advancement
Nexus Building, Room 200
1 South Avenue
P.O. Box 701
Garden City, NY 11530
Coach Irwin dedicated his life to the success of his student-athletes. The Adelphi community will be forever grateful to Coach Irwin for all that he has done to support the University.
About Adelphi Athletics
Adelphi University joined the Northeast-10 Conference in the fall of 2009, and in the past eight seasons, has collected 25 regular season conference titles, 26 tournament championships, 33 individual crowns and captured the Northeast-10 Presidents' Cup four times (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017), while winning six NCAA Division II National Championships.
For the latest on Adelphi University Athletics, follow the Panthers at www.aupanthers.com or via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat.
