OUR COACHES

Originally from New York State, I grew up on a lake in a very small town. Swimming has always been part of my life. I started competitive swimming in my late 50’s when a recreation center opened in our town with a 6-lane pool. I was part of a team of two. 

My wife and I moved to The Villages in 2015. Joining VAST was a huge motivation for the move. I soon realized what a wonderful team this was and wanted to help in any way possible. A big part of that was coaching. I began helping with our coaching clinics and learning the finer points of proper stroke techniques. I began teaching adults how to swim and became certified as an instructor through the Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS) program, which is promoted by United States Masters Swimming (USMS).

I began coaching for the VAST team, mentoring with more experienced coaches, to understand the process that helps motivate swimmers to improve how they swim and prepare for competition. I currently manage the ALTS program here in The Villages and am a USMS Certified Level 2 Coach.

My philosophy is simple. Most of the swimmers here are 50+ years old. I, along with our coaching staff, want to make sure that our swimmers get the proper workouts and stroke mechanics necessary to improve. More importantly, I want all of our swimmers to enjoy their time in the pool and walk away feeling better about their swimming.

I was an age-group swimmer through high school, where I competed as both a swimmer and a diver. I continued diving at Springfield College, earning All-American status. I hold an undergraduate degree in Physical Education, complemented by several coaching courses, and a graduate degree in Physical Chemistry.

After sustaining injuries from running marathons, I began Masters swimming in 1990 and have been active ever since. While living in New Jersey, I served on the NJ-LMSC board. I moved to The Villages in 2018 and joined VAST, where I have been coaching for the past four years. Additionally, I coach diving at The Villages Charter School.

My swimming experience started when I joined Arizona CC swim team in 1958. I competed from the age of 5 until 17.  I joined masters in Colorado in my early 40’s and continue to swim and compete. 
I started in 2002 at HRCA as a swim instructor and lifeguard. In 2005 I became a swim coach and continue to coach today.  I was one of the head coaches for our summer swim team and ran many children’s programs from August to May.  I started an elite swim group and trained children for club teams.  I have coached 2 masters swim groups since 2008 and now sub for those groups.  Coached a club team for 2 years. Now I continue to give private lessons and sub coach.  I’ve coached Vast now since January 2026 and helped with clinics.

As far as swimming goes, I loved competing in all the sprints and the 100 IM.  As a coach, I love teaching swimmers how to become more efficient in order to be faster in the water. Been to many swim clinics and continue to study and learn from the pros.