Post by JRGNYR on Jan 8, 2022 12:24:14 GMT -5
Was told last night that longtime swim/dive coach Barry Parenteau passed away this week. Did some digging and found a tribute from Kevin Shea that's posted here:
Though my junior year roommate swam for Barry, I didn't get to know him personally until my four years working with the Patriot League. I rarely saw him without a big smile on his face at the championship meet. It was clear he had a special relationship with his athletes, and all of the other coaches and officials genuinely liked him and enjoyed his company. He took great pride in seeing his athletes establish personal bests or break school records at the PL Championships. To be blunt, they were never going to compete for conference championships for reasons out of Barry's control, so he made it about being the best they could be in their fastest meet of the year and have fun doing it.
He adored his athletes and delighted in their success. It was always about them, never about him.
RIP.
Though my junior year roommate swam for Barry, I didn't get to know him personally until my four years working with the Patriot League. I rarely saw him without a big smile on his face at the championship meet. It was clear he had a special relationship with his athletes, and all of the other coaches and officials genuinely liked him and enjoyed his company. He took great pride in seeing his athletes establish personal bests or break school records at the PL Championships. To be blunt, they were never going to compete for conference championships for reasons out of Barry's control, so he made it about being the best they could be in their fastest meet of the year and have fun doing it.
He adored his athletes and delighted in their success. It was always about them, never about him.
RIP.
