York Suburban legend Dick Guyer, pictured above being recognized by South Western coach Bill Sterner, coached his last home meet on Thursday and was honored when more than 60 former Trojan swimmers walked out onto the deck at the Suburban natatorium.
Guyer had no idea the alumni had plans to get together to pay tribute to him and the veteran coach was shocked when they strolled out before the Trojans faced West York.
Receptions were held both before and after the meet. This is what some of those on hand had to say about their coach:
Mark Paules (72), was a member of Suburban's first championship team: "I remember Dick being a really dedicated person. He taught us dedication and hard work.
"The one thing I really remember is that he really didn't care whether he won or lost, he just cared if you did well. If you lost, then he would make you better. That is how he built championships.
"He touched a lot of people. I tried to pass on some of the things he taught me to my children. It is amazing how many people can be touched by one person."
Steve Stambaugh (1973) was Guyer's first state individual champ (200 IM): "He has been an inspiration for so many people over the years. no question about it.
"If we had known back then he would stay for so many years we wouldn't have believed it. He has had so many great teams and great swimmers. It is really impressive."
Julie Horn (2003): "He is such a positive influence for everyone on the swim team. The atmosphere he created for swim meets was amazing. It got everyone to swim their best."
Paula Miller (1990), coaches the age-group program at Soudertown: "You could always hear him in the water cheering you on, yelling at you to remind you of all the things he taught you in practice.
"He has really been a role model to me now that I am coaching. A lot of the drills he put up I still use."
Barry Kronthal (1981): "I always thought of coach as the Bobby Knight of swim coaches. I understand he has mellowed out over time but when I was there I remember him doing some wild things.
"He was a great coach and great molder of kids. A lot of discipline, a lot of drive that I have for the rest of my life came from what I learned from coach Guyer during my years here. It was a great learning experience - not only from the swimming perspective."
Still, perhaps current senior Kevin Marsteller, one of the most accomplished swimmers in Trojan history put it best with his message in Suburban's senior night program:
"Thank you coach Guyer for making me into a better person and guiding me throughout high school by teaching me life lessons that will help me succeed, not just in the pool, but in life.
"I owe everything to you. You are an inspiration to every one."
I was trained by Coach Guyer when he was with the summer swim camp at the University of Virginia in 1974, 1975 and 1976.
Although it has been over 30years since I last saw Coach Guyer, and was only exposed to him for a grand total of 6 weeks during the 3 years, I still remember him as though it were yesterday.
Obviously I am not from Pennsylvania. I happened accross this article by accident on
Google.
Congratulations on your retirement Coach!