UC San Diego’s historic East Pool at the Canyonview Aquatic Center has officially been renamed the Ronald “Sickie” Marcikic Pool, honoring a beloved coach and program director who has dedicated more than four decades to the university’s swimming community.
The structural tribute was unveiled on Saturday, April 18, during a celebration attended by 150 friends, colleagues, and generations of Masters Swimmers. Known for his trademark Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and a 43-year streak of never repeating a workout, Coach "Sickie" has become a living legend on campus.
“The celebration almost brought me to tears,” Marcikic says. “There was a great turnout of current and past swimmers, plus many I haven’t seen in years. Truly, a day I will remember forever. Thank you, UC San Diego!”
The newly christened "Sickie Pool" is an Olympic-sized, 828,000-gallon facility that opened in 1983. Primarily serving the Masters Swimming program, open recreational swimming, and special campus events, the pool now features a permanent cement tribute that welcomes swimmers to the deck.
UC San Diego leadership turned out in full force to honor the milestone, including Chancellor Pradeep Khosla.
“Naming the Ronald ‘Sickie’ Marcikic Pool is a testament to Coach Sickie’s dedication and passion,” Recreation Director Richard Mylin says. “Sickie has been teaching, encouraging, challenging, and celebrating our swimmers for more than four decades, and it is that legacy that will forever be celebrated.”
Aquatics Director Jason Dillon, who wore a custom flamingo shirt featuring Sickie’s face to the event, added: “This was more than a ceremony; it was an outpouring of love for a living legend. Sickie’s pride and gratitude reminded us all of the lasting impact one passionate soul can have.”
The UC San Diego Masters Swimming program runs workouts six days a week for swimmers of all ages and abilities. To learn more about the program or the Canyonview Aquatic Center, visit our website.
