Ron Turner Resigns From Irvine Novaquatics to Devote Time to Family; Will Remain in Coaching Community

IRVINE, California, April 9. EIGHT months after accepting the position as the head coach of Irvine Novaquatics, Ron Turner has resigned effective at the end of April. Citing his father's health issues, Turner will return to Atlanta, Ga., to devote time to his family.

"My dad has been having some health issues, something that is personal and I don't want to get into details about," Turner told SwimmingWorldMagazine.com about an obviously emotional time in his life. "At this point in my life, I need to be closer to my family. So, I've decided to move to Atlanta."

Turner is not a stranger to the Atlanta community as he helped build local club Chattahoochee Gold during its early years in the early-to-mid 90s.

"I am comfortable [with moving to Atlanta]," Turner said. "I don't have a job lined up, but I will probably coach part-time with Gold while I am there. I am just going to take a year to spend time with my family and recharge personally. After I see things through with my dad, I will definitely look to get back into coaching. I am absolutely not getting out of coaching. This is not a retirement."

There has been some unfounded talk throughout the swimming community that other issues might have been at play in Turner's, which Turner took the time to address with SwimmingWorldMagazine.com

"I resigned on my own accord," Turner said. "Nova and Soka were great opportunities for me. If [my father's health did not decline], I would have continued in Irvine. I've just put so much into my career over the last 20 years, that I need to put the priority on my family and take care of things with them until I can get refocused."

A search for a new head coach is ongoing, as general manager Dave Salo looks for Turner's replacement.

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