Brandeis University Men's Swimming

Kotch succeeded Jim Zotz as head coach of the Brandeis men's and women's swimming and diving teams, coming to Brandeis from nearby Regis College, where he served as head coach of swimming and diving since 2008. Under Kotch's leadership, the Brandeis program was reinstated for the 2012-13 season, after mechanical problems with the Linsey Pool had forced the teams' suspension for two years. In his first five seasons, Kotch has begun to build one of the strongest teams in the Northeast. Under his leadership, the men's and women's teams have combined to set 12 new school records. In one of the top swimming conferences in the country, the Judges have had several top-eight UAA finishes, as well as four NCAA 'B' Cuts. The women's team has been named Collegiate Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-Americans each of the past seven semesters, while the men have earned it each of the last six. The award is given to teams that earn at least a 3.0 GPA in the classroom. Kotch developed 19 school-record holders and built the Regis men's program up from two swimmers in three years as head coach of the Pride. Kotch was Regis's staff liaison to their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and served on the College's Judicial Board. He also served as treasurer for the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA).  Kotch holds two degrees from Bentley, receiving his B.S. in Accountancy in 1998 and his M.B.A. in 2004. He served as the Falcons' assistant coach from 2002 to 2008, leading recruiting efforts, including two Division II All-Americans, and helping the team win 11 NEISDA championships between the men's and women's squads.

Thurston joined the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Staff in July of 2015. He was an All-New England performer at Roger Williams University, where he earned a BA in Classics. Thurston was a two-time New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA) champion in the 100-yard breaststroke at RWU. He holds the Hawks records in the 50-, 100- and 200- yard breaststroke and was part of the school-record 400 medley relay team. Eric is also currently completing his Masters in Kinesiology and Sports Science from the University of South Dakota, where he served as an assistant coach last year. He helped the Coyotes finish in fourth place at the Summit League Conference championships. Eric spent the summer of 2015 at the University of Texas Longhorns Swim Camp, and he has coached at the Club and Masters levels. Eric is also the Aquatics Director at Brandeis.