Model Swimming and Diving
attitude is everything
Video Slideshow
Photos
MORE PHOTOS COMING SOON. THANKS TO ALI CAHILL FOR THESE GREAT SHOTS!
From the Richmond Register
Cahill honored for 30 years of service to Model and EKU
Nathan Hutchinson
Register Sports Editor
RICHMOND — Tim Cahill has enjoyed plenty of memorable moments during his long and distinguished coaching career — including state titles and All-American performances.
However, none of those accomplishments were nearly as special as the honor he received Wednesday during a surprise event in Richmond.
Cahill was recognized for 30 years of service to Model Laboratory/Eastern Kentu-cky University during a ceremony during the Patriots swim meet with Lafayette.
EKU President Dr. Do
ug Whitlock, Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Brigid DeVries, Model athletic director Barb Shafer and Model Director James Dantic all spoke at the event.
“This is the best — by any stretch of the imagination,” Cahill said.
The Model swim coach was presented a special service plaque and a video presentation was shown to a crowd of alumni, family, friends and supporters.
“I was overwhelmed,” Cahill said. “I just couldn’t believe that all this was taking place. When some of the alums came back at Christmas and they would tell me they were looking forward to seeing me on Wednesday night, I just thought they were coming for Alumni Night. I had no idea this was going on.”
Cahill came to EKU in 1979 and served as the school’s assistant swim coach for eight years. He then took over at Model and led the program to an unprecedented level of success.
The Patriots won the combined state title in 1996, they won the boy’s state title in 1984 and the girls finished as runner-up in 1981.
Cahill has coached more than 30 individual state champions, 11 Junior National qualifiers, two Junior National record holders, four Senior National qualifiers, one Senior National champion, one U.S. World Team member and one Olympic Trial qualifier.
He has also coached nine All-Americans and 45 individuals who went on to swim in college.
“I can think of no other person in Kentucky who has meant more to swimming and diving than Tim Cahill,” DeVries said.
Whitlock, DeVries and Shafer all spoke about Cahill’s commitment to the student-athletes at Model and to his passion for not just swimming, but for teaching young people.
But, perhaps the most emotional tribute of the day came from Kyle Knezevich, who was coached by Cahill and is now an assistant coach at Model.
“Thirty years is a long time,” he said at the start of the meet. “Thirty years encompasses a lot of memories. Tonight, we celebrate 30 years of the good, the bad, the painful and the strong. Tonight, we celebrate 30 years of accomplishment and dedication. Tonight, coach Cahill we celebrate you and what you do and the best part about tonight is that is not the end.”
1/8/2009
Parents, Swimmers, Alumni, and Friends,
Last night, The Model Swimming and Diving Team, along with
Our special guests for the evening, Dr. Doug Whitlock, Commissioner Brigid DeVries, Dan Lichty, Barb Shafer, James Dantic, Jackie Vance, and Fuss, Adam, and Ali representing the Cahill family, thank you all for your kind words and support.
The Model Alumni and their families came out in big numbers last night and you are a true testament to what this team is really all about. You are living examples of the positive effects our program has on young athletes.
Also the Alumni that could not attend, your e-mails were the first thing Coach Cahill read last night and I know he honors those as if you were there saying those words in person.
The current team parents and their families, for your help setting up, running the meet, and cleaning up after the meet, especially Katelyn Robbins who helped me set up all morning. The current team members for putting forth their best efforts last night, proving that the Model Swimming legacy is alive and well today.
Our photogrophers and Nathan Hucthinson of the Richmond Register for their excellent coverage and documentation of our event.
Swimmers, Parents, and Families of Colonel Aquatics and Madison Central, even though you all wear different logos, affiliations were put aside last night and we were humbled to have you all in attendance.
The
The faculty of Model and EKU, the EKU Physical Plant Staff that help maintain our building and pool, the EKU Aquatic Staff, and all others not mentioned.
For more information on Tim Cahill night including the video slideshow and photos from the event, visit our team website at www.modelswimming.webs.com.
My deepest thanks
Kyle Knezevich
Assistant Coach
Model Swimming and Diving