As a teen-ager, I was a swimmer and a diver for the Billings YMCA Swim Team, which was, at the time, an AAU Swim Team. Way back then, we did not have high school swimming in Montana. While I made it to finals in the State Swimming Meet (in breaststroke, IM and distance free), I was better in diving than I was in swimming – State Champion two years in a row.
I became active again in swimming when Lindsey joined the Northeast YMCA Mariners Swim Team and served there as an assistant coach. When OMNI started in April, 1997, I was named its first Head Coach and have held that position ever since.
Assistant Coach – Tartan Girls and Boys Swimming and Diving teams from 1996 – 2002.
Why I Coach for OMNI:
“When OMNI first started, I would have described myself as an involved parent – coaching for a team that my daughter swam for. Within the first couple of years, however, that all changed. I noticed the many benefits that came from swimming – the friendships, the physical activity, the way swimmers were forced to budget their time and the self confidence that came with being able to compete in a sport that many cannot do. I also realized that my job as a coach went beyond the physical training of swimmers. I have often found myself saying to my swimmers, “If only you believed in yourself as much as I believe in you…” That has become my ultimate goal and challenge as I work with my swimmers. The hard work our swimmers put in, the completion of a difficult set, the “fire in the belly” at a meet, and the smiles that come with all of this are all signs to me that I am succeeding at my goal and keep me coming back for more.
As the head coach for the OMNI Swim Club, I want to pass on the excitement and satisfaction I have found with coaching to my assistant coaches. Currently all of my assistants are swimmers I have had the privilege of coaching in the past, and as such, they are swimmers I know well and long ago recognized their passion for the sport. They are all truly my pride and joy.”
Points of Interest
