SSC bids coach Stewart goodbye

Saipan Swim Club head coach Michael Stewart bids the CNMI goodbye today after making the islands his home the past four years.
During his stint at the helm of SSC, Stewart continued the tradition of excellence SSC founders Bill and Jean Sakovich started as well as introduced his own programs to the Commonwealth’s oldest swim club.

Before heading to his new coaching job in Taos, New Mexico, SSC swimmers and their parents gave Stewart a parting gift made up of a DVD, which contained a collection of pictures of the many events he and his swimmers took part in since 2004 as well as a heart-warming tribute.

“Thank you for all that you have done for us. For teaching us not only to swim, but to strive for our best. For teaching us to work hard, but also to have fun. For challenging us with seeming impossibilities and rejoicing with us when we succeed,” a part of the tribute read.

The tribute went on to say that under Stewart’s guidance SSC swimmers were able to experience unforgettable ocean swims (around tanks and buoys, Escape from Managaha, Bandelin Over and Back, Eagle Ray 7K, and the All Day 20K), meets (on Saipan, in Guam and Palau, and in Australia—World Championships in Melbourne, Northern Territories Championship in Cairns, Arafura in Darwin—in China, Indianapolis and in Japan), practices (Mundane Monday, VO2sday, IM Wednesday, Goal Set Thursday, Fluffy Friday and Saturday), as well as waffle breakfasts, chicken BBQ, and coffee.

A number of the SSC swimmers also were able to extend their personal thanks to Stewart.

Grace Kimball, for instance, said she wouldn’t have broken the age group record in the 100m freestyle if not for Stewart’s unique coaching style.

“Thank you for helping me to learn to keep going even when I feel dead and for helping me when I get really nervous at meets. Especially thank you for helping me to improve and break a record. I think a lot of why I was able to do that is because of your coaching over the past few years,” she said.

Selyna Leon Guerrero, meanwhile, said under Stewart’s coaching SSC swimmers did not only learn lessons in swimming but also lessons in life as well.

“Coach Michael taught us all lessons in perseverance and determination that extend far beyond the pool,” she said.

Nuri Gutzwiller-Malakut, Andrew Kimball, Lester Lapuz, Junior Pamaran, Jesse Leon Guerrero, Blair Nicholls, Michael Moran, Victoria Chentsova, Maxi Braig, and Emma and Abigail Martinsen each also thanked Stewart not only for improving their strokes but also for being a good teacher.

While the SSC will surely miss Stewart, it is already looking forward to continuing on with the strong tradition of competitive swimming that the club is known for under its new coach, Michael Blasberg.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the SSC, can call 322-7130 and talk with Lisa Kimball about the different programs from learning to swim to competitive team.