Kara B's letter to her former coach

 One of the best letters I ever got from one of the best swimmers I ever coached. It meant plenty to me then -- and it still does 30+ years later.

Front page:

Back page:

Notes from 2018:

The PAWW team was my "Dream Team." I had three great years in Peoria. Departing was hard. I went from $16,000 a year to a job that paid $22,000 for only nine months. 

I was the first full-time coach at New Trier Swim Club, NTSC. I stepped into a weird situation there and had one or more people on the seven person coaching staff who was a complete snake. 

As I was departing PAWW, I went far out of my way to recruit applications for my eventual successor. I put calls to Washington and strongly encouraged Mike Smithers to interview and take the position. Some months later he took the job and arrived in Peoria and developed his style and the team in ways that were different than what I was doing.

Reunion photo

Coach D. Amerman, Mark Rauterkus, Mike Herrin, Kara B, Erik Rauterkus
on the pool deck at Central Park Pool in Peoria, Illinois.

Letters from Spain after terrible USA Swimming in Europe.

Sharing thoughts with letters, pre SwimSwam.

NTSC Calendar

Why swim coaches scream

Why The Swim Coaches Scream!

Mark shares his ideas concerning poolside communications. A swim coach has many roles to play, and the two that Mark hates the most are Zookeeper and Policeman. The swimmers have to be in order and able to follow the directions from the leaders before the coaches really coach. But there is much more to this "screaming question."

For instance, the spectator in the stands sees the coaches communicate by screaming. However, one has to understand and consider the perspective of the swimmers'. The kids are packed into the lanes and elbow to elbow with numerous others who can make a world of distractions. Then, their ears are inches away from the sounds of rushing water often covered with sound-proof rubber caps, if not already plugged with water or putty. Most of all, the complete deftness of the aquatic sound barrier is always present. Additionally, the coaches are always a large vertical and horizontal distance away from the swimmers.

Then consider that these communications from the coaches are intended to be a process to incite actions. If the messages are lifeless, they are less of a motivational tool for the swimmers to further extend themselves in their efforts. Just wait till we start screaming our spirited cheers.

If some swimmers get more screaming than others, perhaps they are the most lucky, and the most coached. A coach who does not communicate is only a lifeguard. Hopefully, we will not need a lifeguard to coach or a cop for the lockerroom.

Meet schedule for NTSC

rejection from Texas, Austin -- job didn't open at Longhorn Aquatics

New Trier got my application.

I would get offered the job at New Trier as part of the New Trier Extension, its after-school / night school program. I'd be the head club coach, mostly with the duties to coach the 200 kids who were 8th grade and younger. Plus, I'd coach the high school swimmers when they were out of their high school season. 

But, this was only a 9 month position. Summers were off. And, it was for more money than I was making, by a bunch, in the Peoria Park District job for 12 months. 

I stepped into a quagmire that was only revealed to me some months later. Tony was a true snake as he was threatened and set many traps that were unavoidable. He aspired to be the girls head high school coach. He was a teacher and knew that Bruce was thinking of retiring due to some health worries. Bruce wouldn't need to stop coaching for many years to come. 

I began working more on the Great States Swimming News magazine and took a job at the computer store in Evanston, learning more about education sales and computers, desktop publishing and got to meet Catherine! 

Reference letter from Bradley University for Mark Rauterkus

NIU rejection

Denied trip to Colorado Springs - but would go later

Resume of Mark Rauterkus - 1986, while in Peoria looking elsewhere

Bradley Univ to Mark Rauterkus about the return of Coach Spink

 BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

May 30, 1986

Mr. Mark Rauterkus

1606 N. Peoria Ave., Apt. A

Peoria, IL 61603

Dear Mark,

I know that it has been quite a while since we last talked about the various possibilities regarding the Bradley swimming program for 1986-87. I have tried to get a reading much sooner than this, if not for our sake, then certainly for your sake.

We feel fairly confident at this time that Jim Spink will be given at least partial clearance to coach the swimming team next year. Since two of his former swimmers have completed their eligiblity (Weeks and Murray) and still have a need to go to school, Jim would like to use them to assist him in the area that he will have problems with. I think this arrangement is in the best interests of the Bradley swimming program since all of us at Bradley are very much concerned in helping Coach Spink continue to be productive in some capacity. Down the road we may wish we took a different approach, but at this time I guess we are willing to gamble that Jim will get significantly better and will be back on a full-time basis for the 1987-88 season.

Since you need to know what is going on and either you or I have been out of town, I felt the need to write to you and let you know where we are. We are all indebted for your tremendous help and guidance during a most crucial time for our swimming program. If and when we ever have the need to hire someone to handle our swim program, you are at the top of the list. We are very grateful and will always want to stay involved with you and your career.

Please keep in touch on all matters, as certain developments may change things very quickly.

RF/d1f

CC:

Coach Jim Spink

Mr. Gary Anna

PEORIA, ILLINOIS/61625/ 309-676-7611

Employment letter from Bradley Univ to Mark Rauterkus

Mark Rauterkus to Bradley Univ AD - seeking head swim coach status after ACTING for a season

See the 40 page PDF document. 

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/aforathlete/images/3/3e/MR-2-Bradley-final-min.pdf/revision/latest?cb=20250213174540&format=original

Evaluations from Peoria Park District about the Coaches at PAWW

April 21, 1986

Dear P.A.W.W. Swimmers and Parents:

Your help with this evaluation is most appreciated! At this time of year, we are asking everyone to review this past season in our efforts to make improvements to the program according to the wishes of the parents. It is the Peoria Park District's philosophy to rely on participants feedback. In the past, we have had a low return rate for P.A.W.W. evaluations. Considering the commitment levels of the parents and swimmers, we would like to see a much higher percent returned to us this Spring.

Please return your evaluation by May 9. We are scheduling a parent's meeting for Friday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Park Pool. At this meeting we will make a presentation concerning the returned evaluations and start to draw up changes for the future P.A.W.W. program with the parents.

Each family is asked to do one parent evaluation and each swimmer is asked to complete his/her own evaluation. Parents can certainly help with the younger swimmers. Names are not needed on the evaluation form. Extra comments from everyone are welcome. We are enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope for your convenience.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Sincerely,

Mark Rauterkus

Peoria Park District

Spirit Champions Again!

Reference letter for Mark Rauterkus from Peoria Park District's Laura Forstall

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.

PAWW Prints newsletter

From October 1, 1985

Triathlon and Biathlon press release

NEWS RELEASE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 2218 N. Prospect Rd. 688-3667 682-1200 Peoria, Minois 61603-2193 Release date: August 19, 1985 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Rauterkus, Manager Central Park Pool 685-6207 TRIATHLON AND BIATHLON TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 14 If you are an endurance athlete, the Prairie Triathlon and Age Group Biathlon needs your support. Registration is starting slowly, so there are still plenty of openings for the race of swimming, biking and running scheduled for September 14, 1985, at Lake Camelot, Illinois. Race organizers for the Triathlon and Biathlon were hoping for 100 contestants in each race. Applications are available from any race sponsor including the Peoria Park District, Vitesse Cycle Shop, and Methodist Sports and Wellness Center. The entry fee is $20.00 for the Triathlon and $10.00 for the Biathlon. Entry deadline is September 1, 1985. The distances for the Triathlon are 1/2 mile swim, 20 miles bike, and 5 miles run. The Biathlon includes only two events the swimming and running. This race is geared more toward the younger competitors and those without the bike equipment or training. The biathlon is a 1,000 yard (1k) swim and a 5,000 yard (5k) run. Ladies and men, boys and girls are all eligible to compete. However, all competitors must be of excellent physical conditioning and be on a training program specifically for swimming, biking and running. This is the second Triathlon in the area. Last year a trial Triathlon was held on the same course with 25 competitors. The winning team was 1:52.00. The Triathlons are the fastest growing sport in the 1980's. Many of those who have graduated from the running boom of the past decade are turning to the Triathlon as a new and more exciting challenge as it incorporates three skills and more diversity to training. The race director is Mark Rauterkus, swim coach and pool manager for the Peoria Park District. He said, "We need the athletes to come out and participate, even if it is your first Triathlon. We have an excellent course and are looking forward to a successful event." The Lake Camelot Community is a beautiful setting for the Triathlon and Biathlon. The facilities include two man-made lakes, a large club house, shower facilities at the swimming pool bath house and a sandy beach. The neighborhood setting will allow residents to offer drinks and encouragement from their front yards to the runners. Then the nearby country roads will provide a safe and straight course for 20 miles of bicycling. For more information: Ron Johnson at Vitesse Cycle Shop, 682-8777 Mark Rauterkus at Central Pool, 685-6207 Rob Bourdeaux of Methodist Hospital, 672-5904

Press Release for Meet the Coach Night

NEWS RELEASE PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 2218 N. Prospect Rd. 688-3667 682-1200 Peoria, Illinois 61603-2193 August 16, 1985 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Rauterkus, Swim Coach Central Park Pool 685-6207 "MEET THE COACH NIGHT" FOR PEORIA AREA WATER WIZARDS SWIM TEAM The third annual "Meet the Coach Night" will be held for all interested in joining the Peoria Area Water Wizards at 7:00 pom. on Sunday, August 25 at April's in the Ramada Hotel. This event is being held with the support of the Ramada Hotel as part of the Take pride in Peoria activities. The party is for il swimmers and their parents throughout the area. The social event will honor the recent resurgence in the Olympic sport of swimming in Peoria. The Ramada Hotel has donated the use of "April's" and the adjoining conference room to the swim organizers. All who attend will be the guests of the Ramada Hotel. and the P.A.W.W. Swim Team; there is no admission charge. The Water Wizards swim team is sponsored by the Peoria Park District and competes in the United States Swimming events throughout Illinois and the nation. The team was named "Illinois' Most Spirited Team" at the Junior Olympics in April of this year. The team has moved up to the top five in the state and has established four state swimming records this past summer season. Mark Rauterkus is starting his third year as head coach of the team and has been named Lincolnland Coach of the Year the past two seasons. Coach Rauterkus moved to Peoria after graduate school at Baylor University, and for six years has coached swim clubs and college teams in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The P.A.W.W. assistant coaches will also be present. Mike Herrin of Tremont, is a physical education teacher, triathlete and head coach for the community summer swim team. Pete Nauman of Metamora, is a former high school state qualifier and à Bradley University swimmer. Kathy Freyman, originally a swim coach in Oklahoma, is now working with Easter Seals. For more information, contact Laura Forstall, Coordinator of Aquatics, at Central Park Pool, 685-6207.