2008 Woodie Awards
New swim coach set to dive in
Swim team finds new coach from Lawence University; focused on team unity and building family atmosphere
Andy Buss
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Sports
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In time for the Charger swim team's first meet Oct. 6, new head coach Kirk Kirner comes to campus with enthusiasm, a passion for coaching and a plan for action - both in the pool and in the classroom.
"I just have a love of coaching - never really thought of it as a job," Kirner said. "It's been a passion ever since I started."
After 15 years as the head swim coach at Division III Lawrence University, Kirner, who began coaching 8-year-old and younger swimmers as a high school student, said he is excited about new opportunities presented to him by the move to Hillsdale.
"I am really looking forward to being part of a curriculum; to teach not only student athletes but also the general student population," he said.
Kirner said he sees himself as a "team builder" and "an athlete's coach." He said he is eager to establish a family feeling among the team. His own family will remain in
Wisconsin for the rest of the academic year.
"He's really into teambuilding and team unity," co-captain Anne Verhoef, a junior, said.
Verhoef, who met Kirner at an interview with the team, said Kirner was excited to have the opportunity to teach at Hillsdale and that he's certified for the position.
Junior Kathryn Herrmann, a swimmer, said she appreciates Kirner's ability to form the student athlete and his focus on a balanced life as opposed to an athletics-heavy way life.
She said Kirner treats each swimmer as an individual athlete and encourages personal responsibility.
Head basketball coach John Tharp came from Lawrence University last semester where he worked with Kirner for 13 years.
"He understands how to recruit at a high academic institution," Tharp said. "He's extremely well-rounded and has a true passion to teach in the classroom."
Kirner will move to campus Sept. 24 on a mission to soak up as much of the Hillsdale College experience as he can.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity and getting on campus - meeting as many students as possible, not just student athletes," he said.
"I just have a love of coaching - never really thought of it as a job," Kirner said. "It's been a passion ever since I started."
After 15 years as the head swim coach at Division III Lawrence University, Kirner, who began coaching 8-year-old and younger swimmers as a high school student, said he is excited about new opportunities presented to him by the move to Hillsdale.
"I am really looking forward to being part of a curriculum; to teach not only student athletes but also the general student population," he said.
Kirner said he sees himself as a "team builder" and "an athlete's coach." He said he is eager to establish a family feeling among the team. His own family will remain in
Wisconsin for the rest of the academic year.
"He's really into teambuilding and team unity," co-captain Anne Verhoef, a junior, said.
Verhoef, who met Kirner at an interview with the team, said Kirner was excited to have the opportunity to teach at Hillsdale and that he's certified for the position.
Junior Kathryn Herrmann, a swimmer, said she appreciates Kirner's ability to form the student athlete and his focus on a balanced life as opposed to an athletics-heavy way life.
She said Kirner treats each swimmer as an individual athlete and encourages personal responsibility.
Head basketball coach John Tharp came from Lawrence University last semester where he worked with Kirner for 13 years.
"He understands how to recruit at a high academic institution," Tharp said. "He's extremely well-rounded and has a true passion to teach in the classroom."
Kirner will move to campus Sept. 24 on a mission to soak up as much of the Hillsdale College experience as he can.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity and getting on campus - meeting as many students as possible, not just student athletes," he said.
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