Former swim coach Mr. Jeff Spector returns to Central for his second stint as head coach and 25th year as part of the team.
Spector began coaching at Central thirty years ago. It is safe to say a lot has changed since.
“When I first started in 1983 there were 11 swimmers, none of whom were club swimmers. I had to build the program from the ground up. Last year, they placed 2nd as state,” Spector said.
Since retiring from Central in 2006, Spector coached at both MICDS and Clayton. Neither however could replace his long history with Parkway Central.
“Its home. I love it here. Central is a great place with good staff, good kids, and a good administration,” Spector said.
When the swim team learned that Spector would be their head coach this season, they were excited to say the least.
“Spector’s dominance and organization make him a monster swim coach. His experience and wisdom make him a dominant diving coach as well,” senior captain Riley Brown said. “Spector’s ability to be a hybrid coach for both sports makes him the perfect coaching machine.”
Brown is honored to be coached by such a legend along with his co-captains Natsu Gavin and Zach Rogers.
“Spector is everything you could ever want in a coach. He’s really funny and fun to be around but when it comes time to swim he knows how to get serious and motivate us for what we need to do” Rogers said. “You can’t walk into the pool without seeing a banner or a plaque that Spector has been a part of. It definitely allows me to trust what he’s saying without thinking twice.”
After placing 2nd at state Spector and the captains agree that recreating last season is nearly impossible.
“We lost several amazing swimmers last year when they graduated so we’re certainly not going to do quite as well this season in larger meets but we are keeping an open mind about everything” Gavin said. “I’m hoping for a lot of wins in individual meets as well as a lot of success for our relays.”
Although the team is suffering a loss, there is still hope for a successful season thanks to Coach Spector.
“It will not be the same but with the great coaching staff of Spector and Mr. Andrew Schonoff as well as the assistance of other elite swimmers like Zach Rogers, Spencer Kraus, Matt Walter, and Natsu Gavin, we will have no problem obtaining multiple victories and a great performance at State” Brown said.
