Russ Franklin Named Head Coach for Region of Waterloo Swim Club

WATERLOO, Ontario, June 22. THE Region of Waterloo Swim Club (ROW) is pleased to announce the signing of Russ Franklin to the position of Head Coach. Franklin brings with him 35 years of coaching experience.

"We are looking forward to having Russ lead our Club. It's our 35th year serving the Community. Russ knows our history and with his experience, the opportunity and potential is here in Waterloo for more success!" says Tracy Bennett, ROW President.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Franklin's entire coaching career has been on the West Island of Montreal where he has been the Head Coach of the Pointe-Claire Swim Club and where he is currently the Head Coach of the Beaconsfield Bluefins. Since 1986, Coach Franklin has had a steady stream of his swimmers compete for Canada at the Junior and Senior levels including swimmers who qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Over the years I have been fortunate to work with a lot of talented, hard working athletes that I have developed from the Novice level to the National Level. I like to think Long Term for each swimmer which allows them to develop at their own pace to reach their full potential as an athlete and a person." says Franklin.

The now 35 year old ROW Swim Club has a great tradition and history of developing the local talent into Elite Athletes that compete at all levels in the sport of swimming. ROW Olympians like Mike West, Laura Nicholls, Jen Button, Keith Beavers and Olympic Champion and World Record Holder the late Victory Davis, all swam their laps at the Wilfrid Laurier pool.

"We are proud of our history and very excited to have signed Russ. His experience will help develop all athletes to reach their potential. Russ can get them all the way to the top as ROW has done for the last 4 Olympics. It was a tough decision and a big move leaving Montreal. We are excited for our Club, but it is a big moment for the Province and swimming in Ontario as well." Says Tracy Bennett, ROW President

When asked why he decided to sign with the ROW team, Franklin remarked;
"I was impressed with the Club's commitment to Excellence in all aspects of the sport, from the Learn to Swim and Pre-Competitive Programs right up to the Elite Levels. I think the greater Kitchener – Waterloo area is a vibrant and growing community that can make a huge contribution to the Sport of Swimming both in Ontario and the rest of Canada.

We have an experienced staff of coaches that I am looking forward to working with and a very dedicated parents' group that oversees the Administration of the Club. The Club has a strong relationship with the Wilfrid Laurier University which will help keep our Senior swimmers training at home. Add to that, the great facilities, and I see great potential."

Coach Franklin will be taking over the reins of the Club on September 1st. Russ knows that the first few weeks will be very busy getting settled in and meeting the members of his new Club. "My family is excited about making the move to our new home and I am looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges that lay ahead." says Franklin

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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