Nolan Gerfers takes over at Burnet High School swimming coach
Nolan Gerfers is the new Burnet High School swimming and diving coach.
He served as a summer league swim coach in Houston prior to accepting the job at Burnet, adding he applied for the position because of the legacy of the Water Dawg program.
“Once I applied to Burnet and getting to talk with some of the people here and the athletic director (Kurt Jones), they told me of the strong tradition Burnet has,” he said. “That’s what drew me in. I’m excited to be apart of that. I know (former University of Texas swimming and diving head coach) Tex Robertson started it. I know his family is really big into the swimming community. A big part of that legacy is the rich tradition. It’s really cool.”
A graduate of Porter High School in Porter, Gerfers said he has played multiple sports throughout his life, adding swimming is a vigorous sport. He is the first swimmer at his high school to qualify for the Texas Swimming and Diving state meet in the 100-meter breaststroke.
“It meant a lot to me,” he said of qualifying for the state meet. “All breaststroke (races) and the sprints are my bread and butter.”
He was a swimmer for Ouachita Baptist University for four years, competing for head coach Steven Bostick.
“I love it,” he said. “I think it’s a very personal sport. I think swimming is one of the big sports that allows anyone to have character development. It teaches hard work and dedication. I’ve always loved sports. For me, it’s hard to get away from it. I’m deeply passionate about them in my life.”
Gerfers said he looks forward to leading the program and helping the Burnet swimmers achieve their goals.
“I have a lot to offer the next generation of swimmers in the sport and doing what I love,” he said. “I want the athletes to perform as students and athletes at the same time. I want to see them develop in all aspects of their lives. Coaches are able to do that and teach life lessons. I want us to progress from where we are now. The only way to go is up. I’m excited to be here and come into the tradition and put my own flair on the program.”
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