Coach Zulkiewski Invited into the MHSCA Hall of Fame

Congratulations, Coach David Zulkiewski! Also known as “Z” by students and athletes, Zulkiewski will be inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA) on September 15, 2024 at Central Michigan University. Coaches are eligible for the Hall of Fame who have exhibited high character while having extraordinary, exemplary, and exceptional credentials compared to others within their sport. Coaches must have coached and/or directed a secondary school athletics program for a minimum of 20 years.

Zulkiewski coached high school swimming at Andover and Bloomfield Hills High School for 22 years. In addition to coaching, Zulkiewski is proud to have served on the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (MISCA), the Michigan High School Athletic Association swim committee (MHSAA), and several local committees. “Z” comments, “Each group plays a valuable role in the experience our athletes have, and it has been a pleasure to help in those projects.”

Although no longer coaching a BHHS swim team, Zulkiewski still participates in the sport by serving on the MISCA board, a few other swim committees, and is the swim representative for a summer swim team. “Z” can also be found in the classroom teaching several computer science classes at BHHS. Zulkiewski’s philosophy is, “A coach plays a critical role in the classroom, community, and with families. A coach needs to promote their athletes and teams outside of the playing field/pool.”

Mike Cowdry, Director of Athletics, shared, “As a Coach, “Z” was always calm, patient, under control and extremely organized. He was soft spoken, yet extremely passionate about the sport of swimming. “Z” is not only respected in our community, but throughout our league, county and state. He is the ultimate professional when it comes to competitive swimming.” Avis Najor, Athletic Coordinator, agrees, “Dave not only went over and above being a coach in the district, he was a leader for our league as well as the state coaches association. He has always dedicated countless hours in helping to run the major swim meets whether league or state.”

Coach Zulkiewski appreciates this whole community, stating, “I am grateful for the young men and women who trusted the process and believed in what we were doing on the pool deck. Thank you to the many assistant coaches and dive coaches that helped create and maintain a strong swim community. Thank you to my wife and family for their continued support over the years.”