Some parents aren't necessarily surprised coach Dave Steele was recently nominated by Pacific Swimming for coach of the year.
But in a way, they are.
Steele, who coaches the Rovella's Athletic Club swim team in Hollister, was one of seven coaches selected out of 120 member teams in Pacific Swimming, the third largest swimming association in the country.
"I am surprised and honored," said Steele, whose team is made up of swimmers ages 6- to 17-years-old.
It's Steele's first nomination, and he says he owes the nod to three different factors:
"Steve Rovella, whose goal is to raise standards and pursue excellence," Steele said in an e-mail. "A small group of swimmers and parents who want to win and are willing to go to work, (and) Jesus, who gives us our next breath."
Bill Huntley, a parent of one of the swimmers coached by Steele, says the team comes home from every meet with ribbons and medals, despite its small roster - just 20 swimmers strong.
"I'm not shocked that he earned it," Huntley said. "I think he's a great coach. He's fabulous with the kids and they look up to him.
"But it goes back to the fact that we're such a small club with 20 kids. That is what's surprising."
With clubs as far south as Monterey and as far north as Yreka, and some even extending into Nevada, Huntley said, Pacific Swimming has a lot of options to choose from when nominating its coach of the year.
And with Rovella's competing with just 20 swimmers - compared to clubs like DeAnza or Santa Clara which boast 150 or even 200 swimmers, respectively - the fact that the local swim team was even recognized is "pretty cool," Huntley said.
"This is Hollister. We're not the swimming capital of the world, so it's pretty exciting," Huntley said. "I was shocked. I was blown away by it. They recognized the swim team. They recognized Hollister. That's the big thing."
Lizzette Ortiz, another parent whose child is on the swim team, says it's Steele's drive that sets him apart from other coaches in Pacific Swimming.
"We are very proud because we are a small team," Ortiz said. "We're not the size of the San Jose or Reno teams, but we're still just as good.
"He expects a lot from [his swimmers] and he doesn't let them get away with anything. He pushes them to the max. They have to give their all and he expects each of them to get better."
The award will be handed out at the end of the year.
"We like having fun," said Steele regarding his coaching philosophy. "But our type of fun is a little more focused than play or recreation. Our kids think winning is considerable more fun than the alternative. But winning comes with a price. It is called work. Our swimmers are excited and eager to pay that price. They are really clear about substantive goals and doing something meaningful with their swimming life."
Andrew Matheson Andrew Matheson is a sports writer for South Valley Newspapers. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 334 or at amatheson@svnewspapers.com.
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Best in the bus business, again
