FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University athletic community mourns the loss of Bill Farley, who passed away in his home state of California. He served as the Stags' Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach for 12 seasons. Farley elevated the University's swimming program to record-setting performances in the pool as well as exceptional efforts in the classroom.
 
            Farley came to the Fairfield campus for the 2002-03 season and continued to supervise the program through the 2013-14 campaign. During that time, Farley led the Stags to 107 wins to become the all-time winningest coach in Fairfield swimming history. Those victories came through the a cast of swimmers that combined for 76 school records and 10 individual swimming title at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships.
 
                The teams' academic progress was equally as important to Farley, who stressed success in the pool was only achievable through success in the classroom. Under his guidance, his student-athletes collected 150 MAAC All-Academic berths. The women's team was honored with six College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Team Scholar awards while the men's team garnered four such honors. Both the men's and women's team were twice selected for the NCAA Public Recognition Award.

               "Bill Farley's dedication and commitment to excellence was the driving force behind the resurgence of Fairfield swimming," Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann said. "His influence on academics was also evident through the numerous honors that were bestowed both on his student-athletes and the program."

            Farley's influence on the sport was a lifelong commitment that started when he was a student at the University of Michigan. He became one of the Wolverine's most decorated swimmers. He was a 10-time NCAA All-American who went on to compete for the 1964 Olympic team in Japan. He also completed for the U.S. National Team in 1963, swimming in both Japan and Brazil. Farley graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in education in 1967.
 
            His coaching resume starts with the 1971 season when he accepted the head coaching position at Princeton University. He led the Tigers to six consecutive Eastern Seaboard Titles as well as five Ivy League championships. In 1972, Farley orchestrated Princeton's first undefeated season since 1924 and went on to receive the NCAA District II Coach of the Year award. He left Princeton with a 275-79 record for an impressive .776 winning percentage in his nine years at the helm. He also coached eight NCAA finalists, one NCAA Champion, and one Pan American Champion.
 
            While at Princeton, Farley also started the women's program and served as the program's first head coach. Within three years, he coaches his team to the Eastern Women's Championship in 1974 and 1975. As the women's head coach, Farley developed seven All-Americans, two National Champions, and one Olympic Team alternate.
 
            In 1979, Farley returned to the University of Michigan where he served as the head coach for two seasons. In that time, the Wolverines finished second in the Big Ten twice, posted an overall record of 23-5, and placed eight swimmers on the NCAA All-America Team.
 
              Farley's coaching experience also includes serving as the Aquatics and Gymnastics Director in the International School of Manila, in the Philippines. He received great international experience as he administered the aquatics and gymnastics programs for more than 1,800 students as well as supervising 10 teachers and coaches.