Perkins Named Rising Assistant Coach of the Year

May 23, 2011

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson University Swimming and Diving Assistant Coach Derek Perkins was named the Rising Assistant Coach of the Year by CollegeSwimming.com.

Perkins just completed his second season as an assistant with the Clemson program after a five-year stint as an assistant coach at Emory University. He has worked mainly with the Tigers’ sprinters in all strokes.

“Clemson is fortunate to be able to attract quality coaches such as Derek Perkins who challenge our swimmers to a national level of competitiveness,” Head Coach Christopher Ip said. “His leadership and mentorship has inspired our students to excel.”

This season, Perkins was instrumental in the development of several sprinters who won conference championships and received national accolades. He also aided the men’s swimming team in a Top 25 finish at the national meet.

Under Perkins’ tutelage, sophomore Eric Bruck won the ACC title in the 50 freestyle, shattering the school record along the way. He finished 14th nationally in the event, as well.

The 200 medley relay team of Chris Dart, Mark Schindler, Seth Broster, and Bruck also won a conference title. In addition, the 200 freestyle relay squad of Bruck, Chris Reinke, Broster, and Dart placed tenth at the national meet.

Overall, Perkins’ student-athletes set 19 combined school records this season and posted numerous times that rank among the top ten in Clemson history.