Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan
Jon Urbanchek
U of M Swimming & Diving
U of M Swimmer (1959 – 1961)
2x All-American
2x NCAA Champion
U of M Swimming and Diving Coach (1982 – 2004)
U of M Athletic Hall of Honor
2x All-American
2x NCAA Champion
U of M Swimming and Diving Coach (1982 – 2004)
U of M Athletic Hall of Honor
U.S. Olympic Swimming and Diving
U.S. Olympic Swimming and Diving Coach (2004, 2008)
International Swimming Hall of Fame
International Swimming Hall of Fame
Jon Urbanchek
U of M Swimmer (1959 – 1961)
U of M Swimming and Diving Coach (1982 – 2004)
U.S. Olympic Swimming and Diving Coach (2004, 2008)
Jon Urbanchek was born in Hungary and while attending the University of Michigan was a member of the swimming and diving team, earning All-American honors in 1959 and 1961 and helping the Wolverines win the NCAA championships in 1959 and 1961. After spending many years coaching in California high schools, he returned to the University of Michigan and was part of the rejuvenation of Michigan’s swimming program. His teams won 13 Big Ten Championships as well as a NCAA National Championship. In addition, Urbanchek coached the men’s US national swim team in two Olympics, 2004 and 2008. Jon Urbanchek was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2008 and was elected to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 an inducted in 2010. He passed away on May 9, 2024 at 87 years of age.