As the curtain closes on the swimming and diving program’s
use of the Alumni Gymnasium pool, it’s fitting that the Hall
of Fame welcomes one of its most accomplished swimmers: Matt
Musiak.
Musiak began his collegiate career at Western New England
College before transferring to Boynton Hill. He became WPI’s
first-ever NEWMAC conference champion in Swimming and Diving in
2002 when he brought home titles in three events. He took home the
gold in the 100-yard backstroke (53.14), the 200-yard backstroke
(1:55.65), and the 200-yard individual medley (1:57.96).
It was more of the same in 2003 when he repeated as NEWMAC
champion in both the 100-yard backstroke (52.77) and the 200-yard
backstroke (1:55.17) with times bettering his previous year’s
marks.
He was a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier and twice took
home College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA)
Academic All-America accolades.
Named a team captain his senior season, Musiak completed his
standout career by scoring 400 more points than anyone in school
history. Today he still ranks third in career points
tallied.
“Matt is the most self-disciplined and dedicated person
I know, which easily explains his achievements in and out of
the pool,” says former teammate Taras Bouzakine. “A
self-made athlete, Matt has always given credit to his teammates
and coaches, stressing that nothing can be achieved alone without a
support system. This humility and sportsmanship tell me that Matt
truly deserves the accolades he received.”
At the time of graduation, he held the school record in seven
individual events and five relay events. He still holds the school
record in the 60-yard freestyle (26.72), the 160-yard individual
medley (1:31.97), 160-yard medley relay (1:21.15), and 160-yard
freestyle relay (1:13.16).
Musiak remains invested in the Swimming and Diving
program’s continued success—this winter he’ll
return to head coach Paul Bennett’s staff for his sixth
year as an assistant coach.
“Matt was the epitome of what every coach wants in an
athlete,” says Bennett. “He is dedicated, passionate,
and very self-aware. His drive and work ethic are rarely seen and
seldom matched. He has been a cornerstone of WPI Swimming and
Diving, not only as a student-athlete, but as a coach. His
commitment to the institution and his desire to push himself to
improve and succeed has been contagious at every level of our
program. I am confident that Matt is a primary reason we have
experienced as much success, on both the individual and team
levels, over the last seven years.
A native of Westfield, Mass., Musiak graduated with a degree in
electrical engineering. He continued his education at WPI, earning
his master’s in electrical engineering in 2006.
Matt is currently an electrical design engineer for ITT Power
Solutions in West Springfield. He lives in Easthampton with his
wife, Elena, and their dog, Nina, where he trains for the
Ironman triathlon.
