TUCSON, Ariz — The chair of Arizona Swimming and Diving head coach Augie Busch casts a shadow on a sunny afternoon at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. However, Augie isn't coaching in the shadow cast by his legendary father.
From 1989 to 2011, Frank Busch was the Wildcats head coach. His swimmers won numerous individual championships, and with his son Augie, won the 2008 men's and women's NCAA titles.
Frank Busch left to become Director of USA Swimming. Six years later, new University of Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke made a splash in his first coaching hire, bringing back Augie as head coach.
"It's a lot to live up to," said Augie Busch. "I try not to impose a lot of pressure based on what his accomplishments were. It's hard not to."
However, the team Augie took over wasn't the one his father left. Facilities needed to be upgraded, and the culture needed to be changed. A $13 million dollar renovation project helped in part by giivng the pool more practice lanes.
Now in his third season, Aguie Busch is trying to restore the Wildcats to the elite status they once had under his father.
"Our culture is in the best place right now. People are motivated and excited to come to practice every day."
