Keene State's Fabian served as USA women's open water swim coach this summer

            KEENE, N.H. 8/10/11 – Keene State College's Jack Fabian recently added another title to his impressive resume this summer. Set to begin his seventh season as the head of the Owls men's and women's swim program, Fabian served as the head coach of the USA Women's Open Water national swim team this summer.

            Fabian leaned about the appointment while attending the USA Open Water National Championship that took place in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in June. "It was quite an honor," said Fabian. "Most of the time they select a coach from a big-time program, so I was very surprised when they chose me. It was a lifelong dream to be picked for the staff."

            The father and daughter team of Jack and Eva Fabian of Keene, N.H., have been making waves in the international and national opening swimming scene for the past few years. Eva, who is coached by her father and has Olympic aspirations, won the 10K USA Swimming Open Water National Championship and was the second USA swimmer to finish (30th place) at the FINA World Championships at Shanghai early last month.

            Leading up to the world championships, Fabian was in charge of coordinating the training of the swimmers with their home coaches. The five-member team, which included Christine Jennings (University of Minn.), Haley Anderson (USC), Claire Thompson (University of Fla.), Ashley Twitchell (Duke), and Fabian (Yale) trained in the Florida Keys before making the trip to China.

            "I did my best to represent Keene State," said Fabian. "The experience I get working with the national team certainly helps our program stay competitive at the national level. Working with the highest caliber of swimmers and their coaches will only enhance the Keene State program."

            Jack Fabian's work at the national level has already had a positive effect on a Keene State program that has become a national Division III competitor. Under his direction, the Owls have produced their first All-American swimmers in over 30 years. In addition, the KSC women have captured six Little East championships and three NEISDA titles. The Owl men have won three straight NEISDA crowns.

            Fabian, who will continue on the USA national staff,  has received tremendous support and encouragement from the Keene State athletic staff and administration. "Any coach that has the ability to work at a national level should be given the opportunity for their own development," said Keene State Athletic Director John Ratliff. "It's really a win-win situation for Keene State and Coach Fabian. To have a coach connected on the national level speaks to the quality of people we have on our staff."

            Fabian will leave on Thursday for London, where he will join Eva, who is competing this weekend in the Hyde Park Serpentine – a test event for the 2012 London Olympics.

(Race Update: In a sprint finish Eva placed second to Martina Grimaldi of Italy in the Hyde park Serpentine race in London).