Greetings y’all,
I know the coconut telegraph has spread the word to some - 2021 was my last full year of coaching. After being in sport for nearly 50 years as an athlete, official, promoter, course worker, organizer, coach and steward, it is time to call it a ‘career’. I cannot begin to express what racing and coaching bikes, skis, sailboats, and canoe/kayak has meant to me personally. Throughout my time as a coach, I’ve mentioned that early on I was blessed with support, coaching and sponsorship far beyond my abilities as an athlete. It has been my sincere pleasure to return at least some measure of that in coaching young athletes.
While I have always considered myself a “regional sub-elite athlete”, I have definitely taken pride in my roles/accomplishments as a coach/organizer/steward:
- Competition Director, Cycling, Goodwill Games - 1990
- Category 1 Official, USA Cycling - 1991-1998
- Founder/Coach - Rice Creek Boat Club - 2006-2016
- Founder/Coach - Twin Cities Paddlesports - 2017-present
- Chair, Competition Council, American Canoe Association - 2017-2019
- Instructor/Instructor Trainer, International Canoe Federation - 2017-present
- Havens Leadership Award Winner, ACA - 2019
Mostly though, I look back at the athletes I’ve coached, whether at my club, on a team trip, or at a camp with fondness and appreciation of what they accomplished as athletes, and what they have gone on to accomplish/will accomplish in their lives whether in sport, academia or business. Whether National Team member, or fitness participant, it was my pleasure to be your coach. The same must be said for the parents, coaches and volunteers I’ve met through sport. I have learned so much, made many life-long friends state-side and around the globe, and I especially appreciate those who have continued to support me through the good times and the hard times. A word I’ve adopted, and attempted to build our club around is Ohana. For those outside the paddling community - it’s Hawaiian for family or extended family. And I have a truly amazing Ohana!
In terms of the future, I plan to do more traveling with my wife - camping, hiking, biking and sight-seeing around the country. This will be the first summer in nearly 15 years that I’ve taken a summer vacation that didn’t involve a regatta or camp. I am staying involved in Twin Cities Paddlesports, but moving into the President’s role, focusing more on community support and logistics to support the club.*
It’s been a pretty incredible journey, and I want to thank each of you who have been a part of it. I won’t say goodbye, but rather…
Aloha
*At present, the TCP Board is wrapping up a job description for my replacement, and will be posting that shortly. This will mark a transition for the club from a volunteer coach, to a paid position (which has been one of my personal goals for the club). The job posting will be out shortly. For more information, or for early consideration for the position, please contact Arndt Poecher, (apoecher@tcpaddlesports.com)
*At present, the TCP Board is wrapping up a job description for my replacement, and will be posting that shortly. This will mark a transition for the club from a volunteer coach, to a paid position (which has been one of my personal goals for the club). The job posting will be out shortly. For more information, or for early consideration for the position, please contact Arndt Poecher, (apoecher@tcpaddlesports.com)
