The Aquanauts swim team has been in search of a new head coach for the past two weeks after incumbent Debbie Murray opted not to return during contract discussions.
Murray said a verbal agreement always had been made on a season-to-season basis, usually in early June. But this year, she maintained there wasn’t a clear discussion between herself and the club executive on the time frame for her to return.
“I do not believe it had to go that road. There was room for discussion. I didn’t have an absolute date on when this had to take place,” said Murray, who added both parties decided to part ways.
Murray officially stepped down from her position when she sent a letter to the editor in the June 13 issue of the Fort Frances Times, in which she thanked all the swimmers and their families for being a part of the club.
“My concern is for the swimmers,” she said. “That they have someone in place and continue to help their growth.”
Club president John Dutton did not want to comment on Murray’s situation in great length, only stating: “Why she chose not to return was her business.”
He added assistant coach Ashley Barker has not expressed interest in returning, taking the year off on maternity leave.
Murray has been offered other coaching positions but is unsure whether she wants to pack up and move.
“I would prefer to stay in this area,” she said. “I’m just in the process of deciding what to do.”
The team also has been placing ads for a new head coach through Swim Ontario and Swim Manitoba.
Dutton said they would have liked to hired a coach as soon as possible, with the closing date for applications set for late July. The club is hopeful it can get a coach who is willing to foster the swimmers’ growth in the long-term.
Interested applicants need national qualification under the National Lifeguard Service, rescue qualifications and a strong technical and theoretical background.
Joining Dutton on the hiring board will be vice-president Connee Badiuk, second vice-president Linda Beadow, treasurer Cindy McKinnon, and secretary Liz Parent.
Regardless of what happens, the team will hit the pool again in late-August, with the season getting back into full swing in September.
“We’ll probably do a swimmer assessment in August,” said Dutton. “But it’s important that we have the next coach see them in the pool.”
The Aquanauts have been an organized swim club for close to 25 years, and Murray had been coach for 14 of those. There are 80-90 swimmers on the roster right now.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
