Reflections on Coach Lyden

While attending the funeral for University of Kentucky Diving Coach MIKE LYDEN, I was impressed (but not surprised) by the large outpouring of support from his friends and neighbors, the UK Athletic Department and of course from the diving coaches around the country. However, I was most impressed at seeing many if not most of Mike's current and former divers.

I believe the true measure of success for a coach in any sport is the positive impact he or she has on their athletes long after they have competed for the last time. Mike was more than a great diving coach -- he was tough, driven and very demanding both inside and outside of the pool. He required his divers to do well academically and to be in top physical condition. He instilled in them discipline, attention to detail, a work ethic and most importantly, he taught them to be winners. This was quite evident as I looked around the room and saw table after table of physically fit, well-groomed, well-dressed productive members of society who have carried with them the lessons learned while diving for "Iron Mike."

Iron Mike Memorial Fund

As most of you know, MIKE LYDEN -- one of the finest diving coaches in the United States lost his battle with cancer on Friday April 11, 2008. A memorial fund has been set up by Wildcat Aquatics, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and 100% of all donations will directly benefit Mike's wife Emily and his three children Jessica, Jack and Brittany.

We have a chance to double our donations to honor the memory of our friend and colleague. A generous donor has offered to match funds up to $10,000.00 submitted by the diving community. In order to have your donation matched, please send your check made payable to "Wildcats Aquatics - Iron Mike Memorial" and send to Springboards and More. They will coordinate the gift with the matching donor.

Make checks payable to "Wildcats Aquatics - Iron Mike Memorial"

Mail to
"Iron Mike" Foundation
c/o Springboards and More
P.O. Box 268
Milford, OH 45150
USA

Thanks, "Iron Mike"!

MIKE LYDEN, one of the finest diving coaches in America lost his battle with cancer on Friday April 11, 2008.

• Thanks "Iron Mike."


• Thanks for being such an inspiration to so many.


• Thanks for being the great coach you were.


• Thanks for being the great competitor you were.


• Thanks for being the fighter you were.


• Thanks for being the friend you were to so many.


• Thanks for being the mentor you were to so many.


• Thanks for being the great husband you were.


• Thanks for being the great father you were.


• Thanks for the passion that you brought to the sport of diving.


• Thanks for your zest for life.


• Thanks for bringing out the best in all those with whom you came in contact.

You will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace.

MIKE LYDEN Named 2008 WHOSAM Award Winner

University of Kentucky Diving Coach MIKE LYDEN has been named the recipient of the 2008 WHOSAM Award given annually by Double Olympic Diving Gold Medallist Dr. Sammy Lee. The award is presented to one diving coach each year "For commitment to excellence and dedication to the highest physical, mental and spiritual ideals." Mike was named NCAA Diving Coach of the Year in 1996 and has produced nearly 50 NCAA All-Americans. He has earned SEC Diving Coach of Year NINE times and produced 13 SEC Champions. In addition, Mike is regarded by many as one of the top Junior Olympic Diving Coaches in the country having produced numerous JO National Champions.

"Iron Mike" is currently battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer but felt well enough to go out and get a steak at his favorite steakhouse -- Malone's in Lexington, KY. Former WHOSAM Award winners Joe Chirico and Steve Voellmecke along with legendary diving coach Stan Randall made the trip to Lexington, KY to present the WHOSAM Award to Mike and his Family. Mike was also honored at Malone's Steakhouse that evening by being added to their UK Athletic Wall of Fame.

Mike, his wife Emily and their three children Jessica, Jack and Brittany are very grateful for the outpouring of support and offers for help they have been receiving from the diving community. They ask for your continued thoughts and prayers as they continue this battle.

• Mike Lyden Bio - Click Here