Sept. 19, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Educational Foundation has honored Marc Davis, long-time athletic trainer for the University of North Carolina's men's basketball and swimming and diving teams, with an endowed swimming scholarship in his name. The announcement was made Friday by UNC Educational Foundation Director of Endowment and Stewardship Sue Walsh, herself a former Tar Heel swimmer.

Dr. F. Michael Eickman and his wife Ann have endowed the scholarship in honor of the long-time Carolina athletic trainer. Mike and Ann reside in Spartanburg, S.C. Their daughter Meagan was a four-year swimming letter winner for Carolina. Meagan was an outstanding backstroker who graduated from Carolina in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication.

"Marc Davis has taken care of so many Carolina student-athletes over the years. It is fitting that he be recognized in such a special way. The Educational Foundation would like to thank the Eickman Family for creating this lasting tribute in Marc's honor," said Walsh.

Davis served as the head basketball trainer at UNC beginning in 1977-78 until his retirement from the position at the close of last season. After the construction of the Smith Center and Koury Natatorium in 1986, Davis took over the additional duties as head athletic trainer for the swimming and diving program.

Davis received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Carolina in 1974. He began his long tenure on the Tar Heel athletic training staff in 1975. Davis, 57, is a native of Wilmington, N.C., and an alumnus of New Hanover High School. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Athletic Training Association.

Davis was the recipient of the award for the outstanding physical therapist of the year for 1998 by the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association. Davis is married to the former Paula Gee. They have a 19-year-old daughter, Irma Consuelo Davis.

"I am confident that I speak on behalf of former head coach Frank Comfort, all the past and current assistant coaches, swimmers and divers who have participated on our teams through the years that Marc Davis served our teams professionally and with compassion," said Tar Heel head swimming coach Rich DeSelm. "His contribution and dedication to the health and well being of our student-athletes is greatly appreciated. This scholarship, made possible through the generosity of Dr. & Mrs. Eickman, is a wonderful way to recognize and honor Marc's impact on the UNC swimming & diving program for over 22 years. It is lasting recognition that is well deserved."