‘Swim For Tim’: Southern Connecticut State Memorializes Tim Quill with Title
Southern Connecticut State’s swimming and diving program learned on Feb. 11 of the sudden and unexpected passing of long-time head coach Tim Quill.
That same week, it was back in the water, living out Quill’s legacy by winning a conference title.
It’s the latest memory shared by a community that Quill was instrumental in fostering in his time at the helm of the Owls.
Against the backdrop of Quill’s sudden passing, the SCSU squad won the women’s team title at the Northeast 10 Championships, culminating Feb. 15, led by Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet Molly Kennedy. It’s their sixth straight and 18th overall NE10 title, powered by 13 individuals who combined for 20 total medals (individual and relay).
The men’s team finished fourth at the NE10 championships. Photos from that meet are included on the university’s tribute page to Quill, headlined, “United by Legacy.”
It includes a link to fundraising for the Timothy P. Quill IV Scholarship in his memory to support future athletes. Many swimmers swam with #SwimforTim written on their arms, a hashtag that became #WinforTim when the women’s team finished the job.
Quill, 58, led the Division II program to 34 NE10 titles, plus this current one. Kennedy is the 20th Conference Swimmer of the Year he’s mentored. He had been with the program for 28 years.
SCSU published a lengthy memorial of tributes that poured in upon his passing, from former swimmers and colleagues.
“He helped young athletes understand that college swimming isn’t a place to plateau or rely on your high school times to score points,” said Erin Leirey, a 2020 graduate. “It’s a place to challenge yourself, to work harder than you ever have before, and to succeed at a level you’ve never reached in the water. #builtnotbought
“I went on to challenge myself physically and mentally more than ever before, all while making unforgettable memories and growing in confidence and courage. I owe it all to the legend himself.”
“Coach Tim took the time to mentor other coaches,” West Chester University head coach Steve Mazurek said. “We had discussions that informed my own coaching outlook, and I reflect on those talks regularly. He challenged me to define success and to pursue that in everything. He was honest, open, and eager to share. Coach Tim was one of the best to ever walk the pool deck. I’m forever grateful that our coaching paths crossed.”
“Tim meant more to me than just a coach,” Loren Wurst, a 2022 graduate, said. “He truly helped shape who I am. Swimming was such a huge part of my life, and so much of what made it meaningful came from his influence. He taught us discipline and resilience, and showed us that nothing worth achieving comes without hard work. He pushed us when we felt like we had nothing left, and he believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
The full memorial page is here, and the many tributes to Quill are available here.
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