Sad news to report. Last month, former TISCA President Matt Schneider passed away. Read his obit here.
In the late 1990's, Matt worked closely with UIL personnel with a goal of creating the original 4A/5A divisions for Texas high school swimming & diving. Once a viable solution to the numerous hurdles were worked out, he led a handful of influential coaches who presented their proposal to the Legislative Council.
After one failed attempt - and a year of "back to the drawing board" work, Matt took his TISCA coaches back to Austin. The effort he spearheaded was successful and our state meet doubled in size almost overnight.
Since then, our sport has benefitted from outstanding cooperation between TISCA and the UIL. Matt showed them that we're a pro-athlete organization with no hidden agenda. When we're lobbying for rule/policy changes, it's for our kids' benefit.
Without Schneider's work twenty-five years ago, do you think our athletes would have opportunities like twenty-four qualifiers for the 5A & 6A state championships? Consolation finals in all region meets? A newly created third division for swimming & diving?
I learned a great deal from Matt. He was a great friend, an outstanding coach, and a fine educator.
Amen. Met Matt when he was a walk-on at UT on Eddie Reese's first Longhorn team in 1978, and followed him as TISCA president in 2000. He was a dynamo and huge influencer on everything Texas UIL swimming is today. We owe him much. RIP, my friend
ReplyDeleteMatt was my roommate for my 2nd year on the team. He was a funny, kind soul. I called him from time to time to keep up. He was constantly harassed being from Amarillo. His dad passed awhile back with his mom afterwards. I called them now and then. Lots of memories from way back. Rest in peace Matt. Your friend Joe
ReplyDeleteMatt was a good friend. I got involved with TISCA to help him get the agenda passed through the UIL. I was saddened to hear that he passed. Rest in Peace Matt.
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