A legacy in the making

"For every moment that we lose when we are unhappy, we never can regain it," Seibold-Caudill said. "I look forward to every single morning and afternoon practice. That's the highlight of my day."

While completing her graduate requirements as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia, Seibold-Caudill longed for the Midwest atmosphere, which she got accustomed to while growing up in Michigan. She felt compelled to return to the region because she thought people there were a lot friendlier.

Soon after obtaining the Ball State coaching position in 1978, Seibold-Caudill had a feeling she might stay until retirement.

"I knew when I came in and interviewed for the job that I liked the community, the city and the facility," she said. "But I liked the people. The people of Ball State make it what it is. If someone is happy socially, they are going to stay a very long time."

On Jan. 25 she surpassed the 200-win plateau when the Cardinals defeated Wright State 144-74 at Lewellen Aquatic Center. She is the first Ball State swimming coach to reach the mark.

By continuing her family's long swimming history, Seibold-Caudill is still writing her chapter in a book that could one day become a legacy. Both of her parents swam for Michigan State. Her father, Jack Seibold, swam alongside his brothers Paul and Dave in high school.

The tradition spanned a third generation when Laura's son, Ritchie Caudill, took up the sport while attending Muncie Burris High School. Burris does not have a swim team and, as a result, Ritchie often competed during Muncie Central meets in exhibitions. Because of this, Ritchie said his mother had double-duty while coaching him during his years at Burris.

By exulting standout performances in high school, he earned a scholarship to Ball State, where he now competes in breaststroke and individual medley events on the men's team under the guidance of Bob Thomas.

"I have enjoyed (swimming) for where I'm at right now," Caudill said. "It's a fun sport to compete in. You're not going to make a lot of money at it, but for the love of the game, it's good."

Although, it is unique for his mom to sometimes be poolside while he competes in collegiate meets, Ritchie said that he still appreciates her presence.

"It's good because she gets to come to my meets and support me," he said.

Seibold-Caudill has long served as more than just a coach to her athletes. A few swimmers said she offers academic support to whomever is in need, plays a motherly role by helping freshmen make the transition to college life and is available to talk about anything that has been troubling team members.

"She is genuinely concerned about her swimmers," junior butterfly swimmer Emily Aubie said. "She will listen to any problems that I have been having."

Sophomore distance swimmer Michelle Arakgi said Seibold-Caudill called her weekly to check up on her progress during her senior year at Loyola High School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Consequently, Arakgi said her prep coach became comfortable with her college choice.

"She puts in a lot of time," Arakgi said. "She cares about your personal life. You can talk to Laura if you need help in a class."-á

Throughout her two and a half-decade career at Ball State, Seibold-Caudill said she has many fond memories of past teams. She believes it is important that athletes walk away from her program having gained something, whether it is socially, athletically or academically.

"With every senior that graduates, they never want to leave," she said. "They always want to stay and be a part of (the program). They want to hold onto a piece of it. It's kind of like your family away from home."