Regarding the article [“End of an Era: Remembering UMass athletics' glory days in the Atlantic 10, Gazettenet.com, July 7], while I appreciate the effort to acknowledge the history of these programs, I was disappointed by the omissions related to the UMass men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. The article noted that the men’s team had won an A-10 championship in 1997-98. In reality, the UMass men’s swimming and diving team has claimed 16 A-10 titles—in 1996–1998, 2001–2005, 2007–2012, 2015, and 2016. To my recollection, that is more A-10 championships than any other UMass team. The women’s team also earned an A-10 title in 2001. Additionally, the men’s team was New England Champion for eight years between 1987 and 1994, a distinction that also deserves mention. The article also neglected to recognize Coach Russ Yarworth, who led the men’s program from 1979 to 2019 — an extraordinary 40-year tenure. Russ was not only one of the most respected coaches in the conference, but also a former teammate of mine on the UMass squad in 1975–76. His leadership was instrumental in building one of the most successful programs in UMass athletics. The women’s team was similarly shaped by long-time head coach Bob Newcomb, who guided the team to its A-10 title in 2001 and played a central role in developing a competitive and respected program.

Considering the sustained excellence and historic success of both teams — particularly the men’s program, which earned more A-10 titles than any other UMass team — it’s a real shame that your article did not give these athletes and coaches the recognition they deserve. Their contributions are a major part of UMass’s athletic legacy and should be honored accordingly.

Joe Hebert, UMass swimming and diving alumnus (76’)

East Falmouth