Rob Brownell This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. Battle Creek Enquirer - www.battlecreekenquirer.com - Battle Creek, Mich.

   www.battlecreekenquirer.com/ap - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/12/2006   Last Visited: 1/12/2006

   Rob Brownell knows what really fast swimming looks like.
   ...
   But now as coach at BCC, Brownell has adopted a more moderate speed curve. The kids he currently coaches can't swim like the southern California phenoms, however the joy of coaching and challenges keep things fresh for Brownell.
   
   "Anyone can coach good (swimmers) but can you take kids that don't have all the talent in the world and train and develop them?" Brownell asked.
   
   On Saturday, Brownell will coach in his first All-City swim meet. BCC and Harper Creek will try to make things testy for Lakeview, which has won 16 straight All-City meets.
   
   Events begin at noon at Harper Creek High School.
   
   BCC is 0-5 on the year, but Brownell still sees many positives thus far.
   
   "The majority of our team has posted lifetime bests already this year," Brownell said.
   
   Brownell graduated from Marshall High School in 1996 and still holds the school's 100 butterfly record. He went on to San Diego State University, where he competed on the crew team.
   
   With a wife and 8-month-old baby girl at home, Brownell decided to come back to Michigan, where daughter Miriam is now the fifth generation to live in the old family house.
   
   While in California, Brownell got a chance to mingle with some of the country's best club coaches and athletes at Olympic Training Center facilities.
   
   "I've taken a lot from that," Brownell said.
   ...
   Overall, it has been an enjoyable year for Brownell even if the record doesn't agree.
   
   "The kids are so great here," he said.