Q&A: Steve Eckelkamp
Steve Eckelkamp has been the swimming coach at FAU since 1989 and has overseen the program’s rise from Division II to the Division I and competing in the Sun Belt Conference. Ecklekamp led the Owls to Sun Belt championships in women’s swimming in 2006 and 2007.
Originally published on
6/25/2009
by
FAUOwlAccess Staff Report
FAUOwlAccess.com: You’ve been coaching at FAU since the 1980s, what have been the biggest changes in your program since you have arrived?
Steve Eckelkamp: I have been here long enough to witness major milestones like going from Division II to Division I, adding men’s swimming and developing the program as champions and on the Olympic level.
FAUOwlAccess.com: You have coached Olympians at FAU. Can you describe the pride you get as a coach to watch one of your student-athletes represent their country?
Eckelkamp: It’s a pride I get in watching the athletes develop not only as swimmers but as people and with confidence. It is how well they are doing in their personal lives as well as in the pool. I take pride that FAU has helped them on a personal level and with their confidence.
FAUOwlAccess.com: What is the most interesting thing in your office?
Eckelkamp Besides the big oversized lizards it is a nebulous combination of old and new. There are All-American certificates from the Division II days to the certificates of excellence on a national level for Olympic Qualifiers. With each you have different signatures from five different FAU Athletic Directors.
FAUOwlAccess.com: How did you get started in coaching?
Eckelkamp: I was a swimmer and became a club coach while I was in college as a part time job. I graduated and had built a big club program. I was asked to be an assistant and thought I would like to see what it would be like on a fulltime basis.
FAUOwlAccess.com: What is your favorite part about coaching at Florida Atlantic?
Eckelkamp: Everything is outdoors. FAU has a beautiful facility and is in a beautiful location. Watching the sunrise during morning practice is a beautiful way to start the day.