Two of Fred Dwyer’s best athletes and Olympians running in Van Cortlandt Park. Tony Colon (Puerto Rico) and Mike Keogh (Ireland).
JOE RYAN / COURTESY
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
Manhattan University (MU) is mourning the loss of Fred Dwyer, former head coach of track and field and the longest-tenured coach in the program’s history. His decades-long leadership shaped generations of student-athletes and helped define the identity of MU’s track and field program.
Dwyer became head coach in 1969 and quickly established a record of renowned success. A tribute by his alma mater, Villanova University, highlighted Dwyer’s many achievements.
“In 1969, Dwyer was named head coach of track and field at MU and led the cross country team to a 7-0 campaign … He guided the Jaspers to the 1973 NCAA indoor title, four IC4A championships and 19 Metropolitan Championships. Dwyer was the NCAA coach of the year in 1973 when the Jaspers won the NCAA indoor title and his cross country squad won an IC4A championship. Dwyer coached at Manhattan until 1993, producing 41 All-Americans and four Olympians. His athletes established world and national records in addition to breaking approximately 250 school records during his head coaching career,” according to the Villanova University tribute article.
Joe Ryan ’81, former associate head coach for sprints and hurdles at MU, who was personally recruited from Ireland by Dwyer in 1977, reflected on the coach’s enduring impact, describing him as a leader whose quick wit, strong sense of humor and firm commitment to fairness and discipline left a lasting mark on both athletes and the program.
“I had a very good relationship with him,” Ryan said. “He had a fantastic sense of humor, he was very proud of his Irish heritage, and he was very personable. But he was also very tough and very fair. That’s one of the reasons why I believe he was such a successful coach.”
Ryan also reflected on the lasting bond Dwyer created among his athletes, describing a culture that went beyond the track.
“Anybody that was coached by Dwyer, when we get together, we always talk about him, and we always feel like we’re members of a very, very unique club,” Ryan said. “We kind of went in as boys, and he did mold us into men.”
Beyond his mentorship, Dwyer’s leadership was defined by both his grit and resourcefulness, qualities that became central to the identity of MU’s track and field program. Ryan shared how Dwyer’s determined mindset helped the program succeed time and again.
“For a period of time, we didn’t have an indoor track… It wasn’t built until my sophomore year in 1979,” Ryan said. “I remember we used to take the subway down to 168th Street just to practice. We kind of took on that New York toughness… the attitude that you always have to find a way to get it done.”
Dan Mecca, who served 31 seasons at MU and is one of only six head coaches in the track and field program’s 100-year history, first met Dwyer in 1986. Having worked alongside Dwyer before succeeding him as head coach, Mecca, now retired from coaching at MU, reflected on the high standards and strong commitment that defined Dwyer’s approach.
“He was tough because he loved the program and the sport, and he expected the best from everyone,” Mecca said. “He knew what each athlete needed to succeed … whether it was tough, honest feedback or a personal conversation. I think that’s what made him such a great coach… everything was developed with excellence.”
Dwyer’s influence on MU’s track and field program extends far beyond wins and championships. His commitment to excellence, leadership and building a culture of grit and integrity shaped generations of athletes and coaches alike.
“I hope the current athletes understand the history of the program,” Mecca said. “I want them to remember Fred Dwyer as a leader who cared, who developed his athletes, and who expected everyone to give their best, athletically, academically and in life.”
Pictures of coaches with team after winning NCAA Division 1 Championship in 1973.
VILLANOVA.COM / COURTESY