SPIRE’s Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach recently discussed his role here and gave us some insight into his life outside of work.

What is your role at SPIRE?

Developing young people in swimming and overseeing the pool.

What are some of your earliest memories in your sport?

As a young swimmer, I remember training hard over the winter holidays with ice falling off the ceiling as we swam. As a coach, I remember my first year of coaching and having the swimmers do a quality set where we really tried hard to create an exciting atmosphere with a lot of cheering and jumping around. One of my swimmer came up afterwards and expressed how much of a difference that made in everyone’s performance. That was when I first started to look at trying to do things different with my coaching.

What’s the most interesting thing we can give to our student athletes to prepare them for their college sport?

Discipline. When athletes go to college their whole life changes. Their responsibilities change, their peer group changes and expectations increase. Teaching young people the discipline of making good choices is invaluable.

What does it take to succeed in swimming?

Hard work. There is no magic wand, you have to be willing to work for it every day.

Any refections on the college experience of today’s swimmers?

In the current environment, college and life really, is going to be different. In a typical year, I would say that college is what you make of it. It does not matter if you go to a huge school or a small one if all you do is sit your room and not do anything. College will be a terrible experience. I encourage all of my athletes to go out and meet people, get involved and see and do things you have never seen and done. College is experiencing things you did not know that you did not know. If you do those things, it doesn’t matter where you go, college will be great!

What’s your favorite thing about coaching?

Seeing the eyes light up after a swimmer does something special.

As Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach, what are you most proud of?

I really enjoy the letters and notes I get from former swimmers that thanks me for the impact I have had in the lives.

What’s an excellent piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t make a permanent decision for your temporary emotion.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I have a great job. I get to help kids!

Aside from swimming, what is your favorite sport?

Hockey. Played when I was younger and love watching it now. Hockey has such an energy and a pace to it, it’s always a great time.

What is your favorite home cooked meal?

Anything grilled.

What is always stocked in your refrigerator?

Dr. Pepper.

What movie have you watched again and again?

Star Wars.

Where is your favorite place to travel and why?

I like Jacksonville, FL because my best friend and god kids live there.

What is a fun fact we may not know about you?

I have an awesome dog named Sergeant.

What is a cause you support and why?

Animal rescue! Pets are great for many reasons and they need homes.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional lottery winner.