Michael Murray ’99: He set school records; now he prepares the next Academy swimming champions

Weekday mornings, Mike Murray rides his bicycle a mile to Albany Academy’s Picotte Field House, arriving by 4:45 to fill chlorine tanks and set team schedules. By then, James Poole ’68, P’02, '14 and Vincent Zabinski P'99, '03, '04, '04, both of them Murray’s onetime teachers, have arrived, ready for morning laps. 

“This has always been a very seminal part of my life,” Murray understated of both Academy and the pool.  

In coming hours, he will coordinate buses for assorted games and meets, meet with student-athletes about their classwork, reach out to prospects, and work on budgets. 

But Murray’s days will invariably center on the water, from convincing wary Pre-K students to dunk their heads, to helping Academy’s top men’s and women’s competitors fine-tune their technique ahead of the next meet. 

And, after varsity practice? 

“I go to Union College to coach the Sharks Swim Club from 5:30 to 8:30 Monday to Friday,” he said, of the youth program where he got his start.  

Murray became assistant director of athletics, director of aquatics and head swimming and diving coach and swim instructor – distinct titles that overlap – in 2024, following years of coaching and a stellar competitive career. But Albany Academy is anything but new. The school, in fact, is part of Murray’s heritage. 

His father, Albany attorney Cornelius Murray, known as Neil, is a 1962 graduate and three-sport athlete who served on the Board of Trustees and remains a robust supporter on the Board of Visitors. Mike was followed by brothers Chris ’05 and Mark ’06. 

The family also remained close to those who came before. The late Ernie Steck ’77, legendary history teacher, athletic director (also alumnus and parent) was a mentor to Neil Murray and frequent visitor to their home. Robert “Bob” Olcott ’44, renowned math teacher and coach, was a family friend until his passing. 

Arriving in first grade, Mike Murray quickly engaged with academics and his classmates. He particularly relished English classes with James Poole ’68, P’97, ’02, ’14, which opened the worlds of Twain and other literary greats. He went on to join the battalion officer staff – which built leadership skills.

But then, as now, he was most drawn to swimming. As swim team captain for Coach Scott Young P’21, ’24, he helped earn the 1998 Section 2 championship and post top-eight state performances in 1998 and 1999. 

Along the way, Murray set six records (one lasting 17 years.) At graduation, he was stunned to be announced as winner of the Cameron Brown Community Service Award for exemplifying the ideals of the school. 

“I was so incredibly proud to represent the school in that way,” he said. 

He went on to the Rutgers Division I program, preparing to compete and perhaps pursue law. Neither happened as planned. Rutgers cut swimming. Murray transferred to St. Lawrence, which had won a national title. 

He finished in the top 25 in the 200 freestyle at the 2004 NCAA championships. But after failing to qualify for the 2004 Olympic trials, he devoted himself to coaching collegiate and club teams– a path that took him from St. Lawrence, Vassar College, Stanford University’s summer coaching internship, Marist College – where he was assistant coach to four MACC championship teams. He also continued with youth sports, coaching at Victor Swim Club, where he remains vice president of the board.

“I’m a coach, I have a knack and a passion for it,” he said. “I love helping each individual figure out what works for them. It’s a little bit of magic when that happens.” 

His return to Albany Academy coincides with the school’s move to a single co-educational institution and entry into prep school leagues. Murray couldn’t be happier. He says his Upper School classes were largely co-ed and it’s high time to make it official. 

The prep school league model allows transfers from public schools to join teams immediately instead of waiting a year. Already, Murray sees a boost in interest and enrollment from top talent. Several swimmers from out of state have joined the program, joining hockey players in supervised off-campus housing. 

“It’s always been on my mind to come back here and I’ve picked the perfect time,” he said. 

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