SLO swim coach retires after 53 years on the job: ‘Drive to the finish. Don’t drift.’
San Luis Obispo High School’s swim coach of 53 years has announced his retirement.
Rick Ernstrom, who led the Tigers to 35 league championships and five CIF championships, was honored Friday afternoon with a ceremony at the school’s swimming pool on Friday in front of athletes, alumni, faculty, and friends.
San Luis Coastal Superintendent Eric Prater; district director for secondary school and adult education Leslie O’Connor, Coach Jud Clark; and Athletic Director Marci Beddall all spoke at the event, as well as Ernstrom himself.
Ernstrom, a SLO High Hall of Famer, said that the most important thing was to “finish the course” and stay strong, regardless of the result.
He recalled the early morning practices and the training and toughness necessary to compete in the sport.
“Drive to the finish, don’t drift to the finish,” Ernstrom told the audience. “It’s much more fun to be a winner, but we can be good losers.”
He said his definition of a hero is somebody “who does the right thing right now.”
O’Connor said that Ernstrom was instrumental in the setup of the new pool, which was constructed through school district bond money.
“When we designed this pool, Rick was instrumental,” O’Connor said. “We positioned the pool so the sun wasn’t in the water polo goalkeepers’ eyes.”
SLO High Athletic Director Marci Beddall said that Ernstrom taught woodshop for 39 years in addition to his swim coaching.
“His wife, Sharon, was instrumental behind the scenes,” Beddall said.
Prater said he hopes Ernstrom comes and enjoys watching the many future swim meets to come.
“Thank you Coach Ernstrom,” Prater said.
This story was originally published April 30, 2022 at 12:06 AM with the headline "SLO swim coach retires after 53 years on the job: ‘Drive to the finish. Don’t drift.’."
%20Cropped.jpg)