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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