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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