Frank Busch (BSEd '73)
A Chance Encounter
I met my wife, Patty (BSN ’73), a couple of days before classes started sophomore year. I just bumped into her on the steps in front of Mertz at an outdoor concert. We got married in 1972, during the summer before our senior year.
Signs of the Times
I’ll never forget—during the Vietnam War protests in the spring of freshman year, the Jesuits were very in tune to what was going on. Classes were being cancelled on almost every campus in the country. And especially after the ’68 convention in Chicago, the Jesuits understood that there were a lot of young people who were passionate about the issue. I remember that as a pretty special time.
Letting the Good Times Roll
The guys I played water polo with and swam with were great guys, and our water polo coach, Ralph Erickson, was legendary. We had some moments in practice that were offthe- wall crazy. The guys will know what I’m talking about. He was an unforgettable character, and we had some interesting times together.
Going for Gold
In 2000 at Sydney I was on the staff of South Africa’s team. In ’04, I was part of the U.S. women’s staff, and in Beijing I coached for the U.S. men’s team. Michael [Phelps] made the games special with everything he accomplished, and the relay teams made us really proud. It’s an amazing experience to have your athletes represent their country.
Favorite Event
I like relays, because they signify team unity.
Why Swimming?
Swimming is one of the most demanding sports, in terms of time that an individual has to put in. I work with dedicated, disciplined, driven, young people. You see the passion in their eyes.
Of What Are You Most Proud?
My family [Busch and his wife have five children]. They’re wonderful humans and they’re contributing to society. As far as my career and coaching, I’m most proud of the fact that the people I’ve been associated with have kept in touch with me. They’re still in my life, and that means a lot.
What's Next?
In my 37th year of marriage, my wife and I have taken maybe three or four vacations. I have a granddaughter now, which has changed my life. I’m trying to spend time with my family. Family is everything.