Seton Swimming’s Sample For Success
By Michael J. Stott
Nineteen years ago when Jim Koehr got involved with the Seton School (Manassas, Va.), basketball was the school’s most successful and popular sport.
No longer.
Since 1995, Conquistador swimmers have secured four boys’ and four girls’ Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state titles and 48 conference titles, including 25 straight for the girls.
One reason is the involvement of former corporate executive Jim Koehr, the father of 12 who was never better than a good high school swimmer himself. Coach Koehr was training for an Ironman triathlon when his oldest son, Kevin, started at Seton and showed promise in the pool. When his wife, Colleen, a former Notre Dame swimmer, suggested that he take over the Seton team, Koehr went all-in as a coach and team organizer.
SETON VALUE SYSTEM
First, some background: Seton fields athletic teams—junior high, junior varsity and varsity—in 12 sports. Its 24 coaches are almost all unpaid volunteers. All athletic fields and swimming facilities are rented. And last year, 73 of the school’s 350 students—more than 20 percent—were swim team members.
Why?
For one, Koehr emphasizes a value system that is informed by the Catholic faith that is the foundation of Seton School. The team subscribes to four basic tenants that Koehr calls, “GEMS: Gratitude, Excellence, Meekness and Sacrifice.” Guided by GEMS VALUE SYSTEM those values, he’s made the swim team experience inclusive, fun and a place where classmates can be with friends and inevitably get better.
To read more about Seton School’s model for a winning high school team,
check out the November issue of Swimming World, out now!
[PHOTO CREDIT: BECCA WYANT]
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