A former University of Nebraska swimmer, Coach Wagner served as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona and University  Southern California to former USA national team head coach and general manager Mark Schubert.  

Coach Wagner later became the head coach at Texas A&M and the University of Alabama.  Before going to USC, Coach Wagner served as the head coach of Fullerton Aquatics Sports Team (FAST), where he coached 4 times Olympic gold medalist and Olympic Hall of Famer Janet Evans to her world record in the 800-meter freestyle.  

He is an  ASCA Level 5 coach whose accomplishments include:

• Olympic Coach at Sydney 2000
• 6 time US National Team Coach
• Assistant Coach for the Pan Pacific (1989 & 1991) and Goodwill Games Teams (1990)
• Head Coach for the World University Games (1995)

Coach Michael has been coaching for the past ten years in the New York area. In that time he’s had numerous swimmers achieve National top ten rankings in their age group. His swimmers have qualified for Junior Olympics, Zones, Sectionals and Junior Nationals in the past few years.
     Michael’s philosophy is all about inspiring and motivating swimmers to achieve to their full potential. He focuses on the development of athlete’s technical, mental and physical capabilities and he believes that the personal characteristics of an athlete are as important as winning.  So the emphasis is the importance of learning responsibility, leadership, discipline, hard work, determination, resiliency, strong work ethic and respect for all.
   Michael's personal athletic experience is; 2014 FINA World Masters Championship 4th Place in 100-meter fly, 2012 U.S. Nationals Qualifier, 2011 NCAA Division 3 Championship finalist in 100 Fly, 2011 Eastern College Athletic Conference Champion in 100 Fly, 2006 FINA World Cup Qualifier, 2004 Olympic Trials Qualifier in the Republic of Moldova.
     Coaching swimming and staying fit are the most important part of his daily routine. Coach Michael is also pursuing his degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science. He is an ASCA Level 4 certified coach.