WHO is YOUR Coach?

This is the time of the year that newsletters begin addressing the nominations for your LMSC Coach of the Year. These annual awarded coaches are then submitted as nominations for the USMS Coach of the Year Award. Believe it or not, many years, no coaches are even nominated and the LMSC committees have to return to the membership and plead for nominations! Take a few moments and consider your coach. Or a coach in your LMSC. Or perhaps even your "virtual coach" from this very USMS Discussion Forum. Last year, I happened to be at the Regional Championships for both the PMS and SPMA when their Coach of the Year Awards were announced. The Coaches Chair for the PMS, Chris Campbell, did an exceptional job in presenting the 2008 Pacific Masters Swim Coach, Laureen Welting. He asked the entire crowd in attendance to come forward and sit or stand around the pool deck. The presentation did not begin until everyone was present and quietly attentive. Coach Laureen Welting of The Olympic Club received her very deserved recognition and everyone present felt a part of the celebration. My hope is that each of you will help drive a great year for recognizing your USMS Masters Coaches for all they offer. Even if it is only unlocking the gate at 5:45am every morning so that you can swim. Or perhaps, launching you into your best masters swimming year ever! Take a few moments and appreciate your coach. It will be worth every second of your time.