Impact
Records
Larry Rogers
Bellarmine Prep
Impact Statement
This year Coach Rogers had the distinction of being the winningest swim coach in California Interscholastic Federation history with his team winning its 31st straight CIF Central Coast Section team championship.
Biography
Larry Rogers of Bellarmine College Prep is the winningest swim coach in California Interscholastic Federation history. This past season, the Bellarmine boys’ swim team won its 31st straight CIF-Central Coast Section team championship. Rogers took over the Bellarmine program in the late 70’s. Rogers’ 1989 team was declared national champs. Rogers is the first coach from California to win the NHSCA Boys’ Swimming Coach of the Year.
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Professional Achievements
Fossil Ridge High School
“Build a culture where it’s not about the athlete but about the team.” -Mark Morehouse
“Build a culture where it’s not about the athlete but about the team.” -Mark Morehouse
Mark Morehouse
Fossil Ridge High School
Impact Statement
“Build a culture where it’s not about the athlete but about the team.” -Mark Morehouse
Biography
Morehouse has been the head coach of the Fossil Ridge boys program since 2008 and assistant girls’ coach since 2010. He led his school to its second straight Colorado 5A state championship during the 2015-2016 season.
This year’s team had one individual state champ and dominated the state team championships with 331.5 points nearly 80 points ahead of Regis Jesuit who hold 20 state titles including 4 consecutive from 2011-2014.
Prior to the 2015 state title, Fossil Ridge had never won a championship title. The Sabercats placed among the top four in nine events.
Morehouse is no stranger to success. He was a four year letter winner and won six individual conference titles while at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He was also an All-American in the 400 medley in 1997. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2014.
Since being honored, Morehouse continues to lead Fossil Ridge.
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Personal Honors
Upper Dublin High School
Jensen continued to make a splash as 14x CSCAA All American at Cal Berkeley.
Jensen continued to make a splash as 14x CSCAA All American at Cal Berkeley.
Michael Jensen
Upper Dublin High School
Impact Statement
Jensen continued to make a splash as 14x CSCAA All American at Cal Berkeley.
Biography
Michael Jensen won two gold medals at the 2016 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state championships. He tallies eight total PIAA state medals over his high school career.
The University of California Berkeley recruit won the 100 and 200 meter freestyle events. Jensen nearly took down Tom Shields’ 200 free national high school record with a time of 1:33.90.
While at Cal Berkeley, Jensen continued his success in the pool. As a freshman, he played a pivotal part as the Golden Bears finished in second place at the NCAA Championships. The next year, he competed in three events at the NCAA’s. He was a CSCAA All-American in 200 free relay, 400 free relay & 800 free relay. As a junior, he was a member of the NCAA Championship 200 freestyle relay team, that set a school record (1:14.72). Additionally, he added three CSCAA All America honors in the 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 50 Free.
His senior year duplicated years previous. He earned three additional CSCAA All-America honors in the 100 Free, 200 Free Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. He lead Cal to their third straight Pac-10 team title.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Tooele High School
“We teach kids more than just how to swim fast, we teach them about life.” -Mel Roberts
“We teach kids more than just how to swim fast, we teach them about life.” -Mel Roberts
Mel Roberts
Tooele High School
Impact Statement
“We teach kids more than just how to swim fast, we teach them about life.” -Mel Roberts
Biography
In 2010 Roberts completed his 41st season as coach of Tooele’s boys’ and girls’ swimming teams. A high school All-American and championship swimmer at the University of Utah, Roberts has led Tooele to 31 regional championships and 11 state titles. Nine of those have been won by the boys’ team, most recently the 4A title in 2002.
This year’s team finished sixth. His girls’ teams won state crowns in 1999 and 2001. Through the 2008-09 season, his boys’ teams had a record of 452-87 and his girls’ teams had a record of 328-74.
Roberts is a member of the Tooele High School Wall of Fame as an athlete and coach, and has been named Coach of the Year 12 times by the Utah Swimming Coaches Association, which he also served 10 years as president, and currently as secretary-treasurer. The National Federation of State High School Associations named him Boys’ Swimming Coach of the Year in 2005. The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) presented Roberts with its Outstanding Service Award in 1991 and inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2009.
Since being honored, Roberts was honored again in 2017 as he retired at the end of this season after 48 years. As the head of the Tooele swimming program, Roberts makes NHSCA history by becoming the first coach to be honored as both a boys’ and girls’ Coach of the Year.
Roberts, who led both programs to 549 overall victories, was named the NHSCA Boys’ Swimming Coach of the Year in 2010. Roberts’ 549 wins are 200 more than any other swim coach in Utah. In addition to the victories, Roberts’ teams won 11 state titles. Roberts, who is a Toole Alumni, was a great swimmer himself. He won four state titles when he was competing in high school.
Roberts is the first coach from Utah to win the NHSCA Girls’ Swimming Coach of the Year.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Dallastown High School
“I want my legacy to be what I built in children in terms of their character.” -Rich Howley
“I want my legacy to be what I built in children in terms of their character.” -Rich Howley
Rich Howley
Dallastown High School
Impact Statement
“I want my legacy to be what I built in children in terms of their character.” -Rich Howley
Biography
Rich Howley, who retired at the end of the 2016-17 season, coached the boys and girls swimming programs for three decades at Dallastown.
Under his reign, the Wildcats won 50 York-Adams League titles — 25 by the boys and 25 by the girls — and a girls’ District 3 championship. He also coached six swimmers to individual state gold medals with 40 district champions and more than 100 All-Americans.
“I want my legacy to be what I built in children in terms of their character,” said Howley after his retirement. “That’s what I’ve always wanted. From myself and my staff.” Howley is the first coach from Pennsylvania to win the NHSCA National Boys’ Swimming Coach of the Year Award.
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Articles
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Chaparral High School
“Racing and perfecting what I do in competition is where I find myself more comfortable improving.” -Ryan Hoffer
“Racing and perfecting what I do in competition is where I find myself more comfortable improving.” -Ryan Hoffer
Ryan Hoffer
Chaparral High School
Impact Statement
“Racing and perfecting what I do in competition is where I find myself more comfortable improving.” -Ryan Hoffer
Biography
Ryan Hoffer closed-out his high school career by helping his school win Arizona’s Division II swimming and diving championship.
Hoffer won state gold in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly. He won both events by setting a new state record. His time in the 50-yard freestyle is believed to be the second fast all-time at the high school level. Hoffer, who will attend the University of California at Berkeley in the fall, is the No. 1 swimmer in the Class of 2017, according to SwimSwam.com.
Hoffer is a member of the USA Swimming Junior National Team. In December 2015, Hoffer set a national age-group (17) record in the 100-yard freestyle at 41.23, becoming only the second swimmer under 18 to break 42 seconds. Hoffer is the second swimmer from Arizona to win the NHSCA National Boys’ Swimming Athlete of the Year Award.
Hoffer continued his success in the pool at Berkeley. Over the course of the first three years, Hoffer was a member of the NCAA Championship team and won two individual titles in the 50 Freestyle and the 200 Freestyle relay as a sophomore. He has earned 20 CSCAA All America honors and 11 Pac-12 titles. In 2020, Hoffer was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Year and Swimmer of the Meet. Due to Covid, the 2020 Championships were canceled.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Bishop Hendricken High School
Hanson is one of the most decorated swimming coaches. He has led Bishop Hendricken to 32 State Team titles.
Hanson is one of the most decorated swimming coaches. He has led Bishop Hendricken to 32 State Team titles.
Dave Hanson
Bishop Hendricken High School
Impact Statement
Hanson is one of the most decorated swimming coaches. He has led Bishop Hendricken to 32 State Team titles.
Biography
Hanson created the Bishop Hendricken swim team as a club sport in 1978. Three years later, the now-varsity Hawks claimed the first of 26 state team titles under Hanson’s direction.
In February, Hendricken won its 23rd consecutive state title – the nation’s longest active streak – and also owns two New England titles and four runner-up finishes. Among Hanson’s many awards: the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) David H. Robertson Excellence in Coaching Award in 2006 and the NISCA Outstanding Service Award in 2010.
He has served in every swimming leadership capacity in Rhode Island, including two terms as president of the Rhode Island Swim Coaches Association and its treasurer since 2000, and president and member of the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 1992.
He was named Boys Coach of the Year by the Rhode Island Athletic Administrators Association in 1995, and received the Larry Gallogly Humanitarian Award from the Providence Gridiron Club in 1998. Hanson has earned three STOYKO Awards for sportsmanship from the Rhode Island Swim Officials Association, which also presented him with the Joseph L. Tracey Memorial Award for contributions to swimming in 1999. The Providence Journal named Hanson one of the 100 most significant people in Rhode Island high school sports in the 20th century.
Since being honored, Hanson continues to lead Bishop Hendricken to success. The teams have won the state title the past five seasons from 2015 until 2020. In addition, they won the 2013 State title, which was their 24th straight.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Edina High School
“I kept going for a long time because I love the sport, I enjoyed everything about the job – the families, the swimming community, and most of all the kids”
“I kept going for a long time because I love the sport, I enjoyed everything about the job – the families, the swimming community, and most of all the kids”
Art Downey
Edina High School
Impact Statement
“I kept going for a long time because I love the sport, I enjoyed everything about the job – the families, the swimming community, and most of all the kids”
Biography
Downey retired from a 34-year teaching career nearly two decades ago, but at age 83, he is still going strong as the school’s swimming coach. He just completed his 55th year at Edina-Morningside High School, Edina and Edina East High School, when the district had two high schools.
His teams have won 10 state titles – in 1965, 1967, 1968, 1984, 1986, 1987, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010 – and posted a career dual-meet record of 483-141-1. That included a 24-1 record this past season, when the Hornets finished third in state. His swimmers produced three individual event wins this year, giving Downey 58 career winners.
Named district Coach of the Year 11 times, state Coach of the Year six times and a National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) National Coach of the Year, Downey has served in every swimming leadership capacity in Minnesota. He was a co-founder of the Minnesota Swimming Coaches Association, has served as chairman of the Minnesota Swimming Hall of Fame since its inception in 1978 and has served as NISCA’s Minnesota state delegate since 1980. Downey is a member of seven Halls of Fame, most recently his induction into the NISCA Hall of Fame this year.
Since being honored in 2011, Downey continued to coach until retirement in May of 2018 after 62 years at the helm. He was the only coach in the Edina High School’s swim program.
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Professional Achievements
Zeeland West High School
“The fact that I was able to hang in there for 40 years and have that chance to make a difference in kids lives was what was really important.” -Mike Torrey
“The fact that I was able to hang in there for 40 years and have that chance to make a difference in kids lives was what was really important.” -Mike Torrey
Mike Torrey
Zeeland West High School
Impact Statement
“The fact that I was able to hang in there for 40 years and have that chance to make a difference in kids lives was what was really important.” -Mike Torrey
Biography
Torrey just completed his 30th season as coach of Zeeland’s boys’ and girls’ swimming teams (the teams remained combined after a second high school was added six years ago).
This year his boys’ team posted a perfect 9-0 record and won the Division 2 state championship, the first for the boys’ team since they took back-to-back Class B-C-D titles in 1990 and 1991. His boys’ and girls’ teams swept the state meet in both seasons. Competing in large-school Division 1, his boys’ teams were state runners-up in 2005 and 2007.
Torrey’s girls’ teams dominated the Class B-C-D meet from 1987-94, winning six state titles during that span, and also have posted six state runner-up finishes.
In 1992 Torrey was the recipient of the Matt Mann Award, the highest award given by the Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (MISCA) for continued leadership, contributions, and service to Michigan high school swimming. He was voted the Girls Coach of the Year by MISCA in 2003 and the Zone 5 Boys Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2008.
Since being honored in 2009, Torrey continued to coach his Dux until his retirement after the 2013 season. His teams claimed a staggering 39 conference championships over his 40 years. He retires with a career dual meet record of 651-190-4. The girls’ teams won six state titles and were the runner up six times. The boys’ teams also claimed three championships and 3 second place finishes.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
St. Xavier High School
Marty O’Toole led St. Xavier to 20 consecutive Kentucky State Championships over his 20 year career.
Marty O’Toole led St. Xavier to 20 consecutive Kentucky State Championships over his 20 year career.
Marty O’Toole
St. Xavier High School
Impact Statement
Marty O’Toole led St. Xavier to 20 consecutive Kentucky State Championships over his 20 year career.
Biography
A 1957 St. Xavier graduate, O’Toole was a four-time All-American and the first swimmer to win four state championships in the same event – the 100-yard breaststroke – in Kentucky high school history. After attending Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame, O’Toole, who has taught chemistry and physics at St. Xavier, coached the Tigers for two years in the early 1970s. He then returned as head coach in 1989, directing St. Xavier to state titles the past 20 seasons.
He has coached 23 swimmers to 49 individual state championships, along with 37 relay state titles. His swimmers set 16 state records and two national records, with 59 earning All-American status.
Since being honored, O’Toole continued to lead St. Xavier until his retirement in 2009. Over his career, O’Toole led St. Xavier to 20 consecutive State Championships.
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Personal Honors
Jenks High School
“We try to make it a family, and that’s the key to me, because when we get to a close meet, then it gives them an advantage.” -John Turner
“We try to make it a family, and that’s the key to me, because when we get to a close meet, then it gives them an advantage.” -John Turner
John Turner
Jenks High School
Impact Statement
“We try to make it a family, and that’s the key to me, because when we get to a close meet, then it gives them an advantage.” -John Turner
Biography
Turner has been a successful coach in four states, but his Jenks teams have stood out over his 22 years as swimming and water polo coach. His teams have won 20 state swimming team titles, with his boys team taking its 12th title this year under his direction. He led the Trojans boys’ teams to nine consecutive titles (1996-2004). His girls’ team finished second this year and the Trojan girls have won eight state crowns.
Five times – in 1991, 1992, 2002, 2003 and 2004 – both the Jenks boys and girls teams took state titles. His swimmers own five individual and six relay state records. Three of his swimmers have competed in the Olympic Games and he has produced six NAIA national champions, 92 high school state champions and 66 high school All-Americans.
Since being honored in 2007, Turner continued to lead Jenks until his retirement in 2018 after 40 years of coaching. During the course of his career Turner’s teams have won a total of 28 State Championships, as his boys’ teams won 17 and girls’ 11.
In addition to his team’s accomplishments, he’s coached 163 individual state champions. His swimmers continued to succeed, as he’s coached 27 NCAA All Americans in all divisions. He’s also had eight team members swim at the Olympic Trials and three Olympians.
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Records
Sunnyslope High School
Metheny boasts over 700 career wins coaching the boys and girls swim teams at Sunnyslope.
Metheny boasts over 700 career wins coaching the boys and girls swim teams at Sunnyslope.
Brian Metheny
Sunnyslope High School
Impact Statement
Metheny boasts over 700 career wins coaching the boys and girls swim teams at Sunnyslope.
Biography
Metheny has been coaching for more than 30 years and has spent the last 24 building Sunnyslope’s boys’ and girls’ teams. His hard work came to fruition this year as the two teams swept the Class 4A, Division 2 boys’ and girls’ titles. With NHSCA National High School Girls Swimming Senior Athlete of the Year, Alexandra Clarke, leading the way, Sunnyslope edged Phoenix Arcadia High 375-356 for the girls title.
The boys’ team nearly doubled the score of runner-up Cottonwood Mingus High, 443-233, as all three relay teams swam to victory. Prior to moving to Sunnyslope, Metheny coached Phoenix Washington High to four consecutive state titles from 1973-76.
Since being honored, Metheny continued to lead Sunnyslope until his retirement in 2019 after 44 years of coaching. He had over 700 career dual-meet win, boys’ and girls’ teams combined. He was also inducted into the Sunnyslope Viking Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Professional Achievements
New Tier High School
“One is team building. One is leadership, which is important, because as you probably know leaders build teams.” -Onstott’s coaching philosophy
“One is team building. One is leadership, which is important, because as you probably know leaders build teams.” -Onstott’s coaching philosophy
Mark Onstott
New Tier High School
Impact Statement
“One is team building. One is leadership, which is important, because as you probably know leaders build teams.” -Onstott’s coaching philosophy
Biography
A 30-year coaching veteran, who also has coached in Iowa and Texas, Onstott has coached New Trier High’s boys team since 1995. His 2004 team won the state title and his 2005 team finished third. At New Trier his teams have posted a 103-8-1 dual meet record, won 10 conference titles, eight sectional titles and have earned nine top-10 state meet finishes.
He has coached 63 all-state swimmers and 47 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) All-Americans. In 2003 he also took over the girls program, which has finished second, third and fourth in the state meet. A five-time Illinois Coach of the Year, he is the current NISCA president.
Since his honoring Onstott and New Trier won an additional five state titles and was the runner up in 2008. Onstott retried from coaching after the 2013-2014 season.
During his time at New Tier, his teams have won over 900 dual meets and his swimmers have earned 182 High School All American accolades.
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Professional Achievements
St. Xavier High School
Brower is the all-time leader in boys’ state championships in Ohio’s storied sports history.
Brower is the all-time leader in boys’ state championships in Ohio’s storied sports history.
Jim Brower
St. Xavier High School
Impact Statement
Brower is the all-time leader in boys’ state championships in Ohio’s storied sports history.
Biography
This year’s boy’s swimming honoree is St. Xavier High Coach Jim Brower. Brower is part of the legendary program which posted it’s sixth number #1 national ranking at the end of the season.
Since being honored Coach Brower stepped down from his position after the 2014-15 season. In his 23 years as head coach his teams accumulated 21 state titles, including nine straight from 1999 until 2007. He is the all-time leader in boys’ state championships in Ohio’s storied sports history.
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Professional Achievements
Moorestown High School
Weber’s coaching career has included stints with soccer, softball and lacrosse, but it is her boys swim team that has placed in the top two at the state meet on eight occasions, including six state championships
Weber’s coaching career has included stints with soccer, softball and lacrosse, but it is her boys swim team that has placed in the top two at the state meet on eight occasions, including six state championships
Virginia Weber
Moorestown High School
Impact Statement
Weber’s coaching career has included stints with soccer, softball and lacrosse, but it is her boys swim team that has placed in the top two at the state meet on eight occasions, including six state championships
Biography
“Virginia Weber has coached a diverse mix of sports and athletes over the years, and her success particularly with the sport of boys swimming is clearly worthy of the highest praise,” said NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro. “The NHSCA is proud to recognize Virginia Weber as the National High School Boys Swim Coach of the Year.”
Weber’s coaching career has included stints with soccer, softball and lacrosse, but it is her boys swim team that has placed in the top two at the state meet on eight occasions, including six state championships. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Weber’s team will try and deliver her a 200th coaching victory next season, as her current record sits at 198-61, as of 2002.
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Records
Parkview High School
“Swimming has definitely been a sport that has been a real passion for our family.” -Dr. Creed
“Swimming has definitely been a sport that has been a real passion for our family.” -Dr. Creed
Dr. Rick Creed
Parkview High School
Impact Statement
“Swimming has definitely been a sport that has been a real passion for our family.” -Dr. Creed
Biography
Dr. Creed has coached the boys and girls swimming teams at Parkview High for 13 years in total. His boys’ teams won six state titles: 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003; his girls’ teams have won a pair of state titles as well in 1997 and 1998 respectively. His 2000 and 2001 teams were nationally ranked.
Dr. Creed is a past president of the Georgia High School Swim Coaches Association (GHSSCA) and was selected as Coach of the Year by the GHSSCA six times, including the past three years (2000-2002). Dr. Creed holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Georgia State University, where he held the school record in the 100-meter breaststroke. Parkview High and the Gwinnett County Board of Education also honored Creed as Teacher of the Year this year.
Dr. Creed left Parkview in 2003 and took over at Mill Creek High School in 2003 and still holds the position. His wife, Heidi, is his assistant coach as of 2014.
In 2006, Dr. Creed and Heidi started the Chateau Elan Wahoos swim team that aids children in lessons and a place to practice and enjoy the pool.
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Professional Achievements
St. Xavier High School
Coffman led his teams to 23 State Titles over the course of his career at St. Xavier’s.
Coffman led his teams to 23 State Titles over the course of his career at St. Xavier’s.
Dave Coffman
St. Xavier High School
Impact Statement
Coffman led his teams to 23 State Titles over the course of his career at St. Xavier’s.
Biography
Coffman helped maintain St. Xavier High’s reputation as a national swimming power by coaching the Bombers to nine state championships before retiring after the 1997 season.
St. Xavier’s performances, the school has won 23 state titles overall, were a major factor in the Cincinnati area’s rise to prominence as a national swimming hotbed, joining Florida and California.
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Records
The Bolles School
Shofe coached both the boys and girls swimming teams at The Bolles School to runaway Class 4A state titles last season.
Shofe coached both the boys and girls swimming teams at The Bolles School to runaway Class 4A state titles last season.
Larry Shofe
The Bolles School
Impact Statement
Shofe coached both the boys and girls swimming teams at The Bolles School to runaway Class 4A state titles last season.
Biography
“Larry Shofe is an outstanding example for successful high school swimming coaches,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “They place a high value on the teamwork skills players learn for success in the classroom and on the field, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
Shofe coached both the boys and girls swimming teams at The Bolles School to runaway Class 4A state titles last season. Led by National High School Senior Boys Swimming Athlete of the Year Alex Lim, the Bolles boys team set three national records and four additional state records to win the title by a 598-245 margin, nearly double the number of points scored by any other boys team in any class.
Shofe’s girls team set two national records and two additional state records to win its title by a 550-265 margin.
After his time at the Bolles school, Shofe went on to YMCA in Sarasota and Riverview HIgh School in 2004. In 2008, he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where he landed a highly sought after job in Tennessee. Shofe was hired at the Pilot Aquatic Club, that has ties to the University of Tennessee and the Pilot Corp., a national company that operates travel centers and food marts across the nation.
Shofe’s life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 55 in August of 2008.
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