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Rick Stakel is one of the most decorated swimmers all-time at AU. An All-American each of his four years, he earned 18 All-American certifications during his career, including six each in his freshman and sophomore years.
The AU record-holder in the 100-yard and 200-yard butterfly, Stakel placed in the top eight nationally in those events three years (1990-92) and was third and fifth, respectively, in the 200-yard and 100-yard butterfly events at the 1992 NCAA Division III championships. Stakel also swam on six freestyle relay teams earned six All-American honors from 1989-91.
Stakel says his fondest memories of his time as an AU student-athlete came from the bond he felt with his teammates and being part of a team that was renowned throughout the collegiate swimming community.
Stakel earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from AU in 1994 and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2001. He is a physical education teacher at Stenwood Elementary School in Vienna, VA. He is currently a coach at York Swim Club in Oakton, VA.
Stakel lives in South Riding, VA, with his wife, Erin, and their daughter, Morgan.
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