Dear Piranhas,

Soon registration will begin for the 2019 summer season, except for those of you who already did the early registration in December. As many of you were aware, last year was very difficult for me to make it to all the practices and to all the meets. I would first like to say what an honor it has been to be a Coach for such an amazing team. It would not be the team it is today without all the swimmers and parents who have joined our family over the years and have helped this team grow. When I first started coaching, back in 2009 which was the year after my last year swimming for the team (8 years as a swimmer from 2000-2008). We started out with maybe around 75 swimmers in total. Now we have been well over 110+ swimmers each year for the past 4-5 years. Many of you have been with this team almost as long as I have been coaching, which is pretty incredible in itself.

The 15-18’s over the years have been a huge help to me and my fellow coaches. I would like to thank all the 15-18’s past and present who have helped and who will help the team/coaches going forward. I know without you all I would not have done so well teaching every swimmer in the clinics or be able to help all the swimmers during practices, especially the younger swimmers. One of the biggest goals I had was to earn a divisional championship during my years as a coach. Not only did the team win a championship but we have been a strong contender against teams that were much stronger and still come out in the top 3 in years since. We keep sending more and more swimmers to the end of season invitationals each year, because of all the hard work you all put into practices. This team has so much spirit, heart, drive, and pride. Do not lose those things, keep the pride in your team no matter who your coach is. Give your heart to every practice, every race, and everything you do inside and outside the pool. Don’t lose the drive that pushes you further than you think you can go. And lastly, never ever lose the team spirit that has brought you together to make such an amazing team and family over these years.

As you can probable guess I will no longer be a coach for the Glencairn Piranhas Swim team. It is a sad goodbye after 10 wonderful, amazing and fulfilling years as a coach for this team. I will miss everyone who has been on the team no matter how long you swam for us. I know change can be difficult and the new coaches may do things differently, but I know that you all will show them the same respect you showed me, give the same effort and more than you did with me, and I know you will help the new coaches grow to be a part of the family.

No matter where you go or what you do in life, push yourself through any wall that blocks your path. Strive to be better today than you were yesterday. Don’t ever give up on your hopes, dreams, or the light inside you. Everyone will stumble from time to time, but those who have faith in themselves and find others who have faith in them as well, will always get back up and succeed. Make connections with those around you and fill yourself with the light of others. If you wish to reach out for use as a reference, tutoring for math or science, or communication feel free to reach me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Coach Josh

Assistant Coach/Co-Head Coach/Head Coach 2009-2018