Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A | Assistant coach Ivan Sanchez
10/26/2018 | 9:10:00 | Swimming & Diving
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Ivan Sanchez enters his first year as the assistant coach for the men's and women's swimming and diving program. Sanchez is no stranger to southern Illinois as he spent time as an athlete and volunteer coach for the Salukis from 2001-09. Most recently, he was an assistant coach at Coe College (IA) and also the head coach of the John F. Kennedy high school women's team.
After 9 years away from SIU, how does it feel to be back?
It feels great. There were many fond memories I had here in the past. Being back and remembering all of it has been a great feeling so far.
Was SIU a place where you always imagined coming back to?
To come back and visit, yes. But to come back and coach, no. My wife and I always talked about how it would be really cool to come back and coach the Salukis one day. But I never thought that day would actually come. It fortunately did though and I am really excited about the opportunity.
Was it a hard decision to leave the swim programs you coached in Iowa?
It was hard in the sense that I met great people, but at the same time this was a step forward in my professional career. I still love all those kids, learned from them and thank them for learning and listening to me. I made lots of friendships down there and sometimes this happens in coaching. You move from one place to another and people adapt. After I left, I received many letters and thank you cards. That made it very hard saying goodbye. But I will still be friends with them and if they need something, I will be there.
Is the plan for your wife and three kids to move back to southern Illinois as well?
It is. My wife is currently applying to some jobs near Carbondale and hopefully sometime soon, they will all make the big move to southern Illinois. I know my kids are excited because they love the Salukis. They saw the team compete in the MVC Championships in Iowa, where we came to the meet and cheered them on.
How has the campus changed since you were last here?
It has been about five years since the last time I visited. I have noticed new buildings and renovations of the arena and Lingle hall. In terms of the community, I have noticed changes and upgrades as well.
What are some of the responsibilities you will hold as the assistant coach?
Mainly supporting head coach Rick Walker and doing whatever he needs me to do. I will also be recruiting and working on the administrative side of things.
Will you try to implement new practices or techniques to the team this season?
For now, I will follow with what coach Walker has been teaching and coaching the swimmers to do. Along the way, we will start thinking about what I have learned throughout my coaching career and seeing what does and does not fit. That is part of the process. But right now, the kids are preparing for their mid-season invite. So trying new things now would probably not be the right time.
Can you detail some of your accomplishments as a swimmer at SIU from 2001-05?
Some of my accomplishments included being a four-time runner-up in the mile, winning conference titles in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle my junior year and earning swimmer of the year that year, too. I also remember breaking some invitational records and winning many relays.
What did you enjoy about being a member of the team?
The friendships that I made with my teammates during those four years was special. There were incredible people that I met along the way, many who are still here now. I met my wife here as well, so I consider that a pretty big accomplishment.
After your collegiate swim career ended, you became a volunteer assistant for the swimming and diving program. How much did you learn from coach Walker during that period?
Coach Walker has been one of the best I have ever been coached by. Going from being an athlete to a coach, I was able to watch what he does with the kids and just people in general. The way he did is something I have always tried to apply to my coaching. He cares about the person and how each is doing from a day-to-day basis. That was key and something I appreciated. Since then I have tried to do same. If I have an athlete comes in and seems down, then I will ask how they are doing and try to help them.
What some people may not know is that you were also a part of the Mexican National Team. What was that experience like?
Being on the national team was a great chance to represent my country. I was lucky enough to represent Mexico in many different meets. I came short of reaching Athens (2004 Olympics) so I wanted to try again for Beijing (2008 Olympics) and did not make it again unfortunately. But I know I did my best to get where I needed to be. It is something that I really loved, just as how I loved representing the Salukis.
What are your early thoughts on the 2018-19 swimming and diving team?
I have seen some great things in practice and believe the team is set up for a successful season. Right now it is on them and we will have to see how they compete in the mid-season invite. But looking at their practices these past few days, they have done some really impressive things and I am excited to continue coaching and watching them improve.
