Letter to PAWW team about the Bradley Coaching Duties

Jan 30, 1986

Dear PAWW Swimmers and Parents:

This letter is to publicly inform all the P.A.W.W. swimmers of my recent appointment to Bradley University as "Acting Head Swim Coach." I believe everyone is already well aware of this development.

Jim Spink, Bradley's coach for 26 years, is still in the hospital fighting to make a recovery. I hope he is able to return to a more comfortable life at home in a few weeks and then back to work by next season, if he should choose to do so. Let's all hope and pray for the best for Coach Spink.

For myself, there is very little that needs to be compromised with my position with P.A.W.W. I only need to miss practices on Friday, January 10 for a dual meet at U.I.C.; Friday, January 24 for a dual meet at E.I.U.; and a dual meet on February 8 at P.A.W.W. vs. Quincy. Also, I'll need to miss practice on March 6 to take the team to the Mid-West Collegiate Championships.

There are many advantages for myself and the P.A.W.W. swimmers revolving around this opportunity. My knowledge of the various Mid-West Collegiate programs is greatly enhanced. This will help my guidance to high school graduates when selecting a college. Also, the college coaches now get to hear about the Peoria Area Swimmers when at college meets, and I can tell them about you personally and as a team. Next year we would like to take our senior girls team to a college campus for a dual meet. This is now a possibility.

Another benefit will be the team's exposure to college swimming at Bradley. A clinic is to be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 13-15, with Bradley University and Kevin DeForrest of Illinois. These are only a couple of advantages. The things we gather from strokes, workouts, community relations and news releases are outstanding.

But, this all revolves around a tragedy. With everything considered, there is an emergency situation and the Bradley swimmers needed specialized help that only a professional swim coach with collegiate experience could provide. I've accepted this challenge on a temporary position and I feel I have not let down the most important responsibility to the P.A.W.W. program and its fantastic individuals and families who make our team great.

Thanks for understanding the whole situation. I appreciate your continued support for me and for each other. Wouldn't it be a shame if you were a college senior dreaming about NCAA's and your coach had a stroke in the middle of the season?

I know the Bradley swimmers were all age-group pool rats like yourself in their past. We work towards college and national swimming as the highlight of a swimming career. It is only fair that they have the opportunity for success in their season, too. Moreover, let's make the best of our season, too. Besides P.A.W.W. is reaping so much success these days and in the days to come that we can share our secrets which will make us even better.

Sincerely,

Mark Rauterkus

P.A.W.W. Swimming Coach

PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

Golden Rules of any training program:

Don't get hurt.

Don't get sick.

Don't get fat.