Megerle's presence sure to be missed

For the swimmers, saying goodbye to longtime Jumbo coach Don Megerle is something they've known they would have to do since their training trip to Florida over winter break.

However, now that the season is over and farewells are in place, the team has time to look back and reflect on their coach whose tenure at Tufts has spanned 33 years.

"Coach is willing to put absolutely everything he has into swimming. He doesn't have any kids, so he makes the swim team his family," senior Tyler Duckworth said. "You can't say enough about his dedication."

There is no question to the degree of Megerle's commitment to excellence. Among other things, the coach has been known to appear at Hamilton Pool as early as 3 a.m. on weekdays, and he frequently doesn't head to bed until after 10. Further, each season he has prepared a multi-hundred page booklet for his swimmers containing customized quotes, anecdotes, training methods, and sports psychology methods meant to assist his team.

However, the long hours and relentless work-ethic may have worn down the coach, and the swimmers say that although they'll miss him, they understand his departure.

"He dedicates everything to our swim team, and that doesn't just mean 9-5 during the season," Duckworth continued. "He's here any time of the year, he's constantly recruiting, and he organizes both national meets. This gives him a chance to relax, and find out who is he outside of swimming, outside of his job. He's exhausted."

Sophomore Jon Godsey agreed.

"This isn't necessarily a sad thing for the team, because it's something that coach wants and we're all fully behind what's in his best interest," Godsey said. "I've had two great years here so far, and I attribute that to coach and the team. He's changed my outlook on stroke technique, which made me faster."

Most intriguing about Megerle though is his coaching style, which is unlike most other college coaches. He doesn't stress distance swims, and instead focuses intensely on the mental aspects of dedicating oneself to the concept of the team.

"The greatest thing I've gained from him is confidence; he's an amazing sports psychologist," Duckworth explained. "He will be missed."