Intl swimming coach to retire in Negros - report

MANILA, Philippines - International swimming coach Rick Powers is planning to spend his retirement years in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province, an online news site reported Monday. Visayan Daily Star reported that Powers arrived in Dumguete Friday, with Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph. "When we heard that Rick was thinking of retiring in the Philippines, we tried to think of where he would enjoy it most and we thought of Dumaguete," Joseph said to applause from swimmers and their parents. PASA vice president for the Visayas Dr. Dale Law said Powers had coached for about 40 years at the club, high school, and university levels. He also coached the national teams of Ecuador, Israel, Brazil, Venezuela, Malaysia and Kuwait. Powers' former swimmers include Philippine Olympian Ral Rosario, who had participated in six Olympic Games and many other international meets. The report said many of his students were in the Top 16 U.S. age group rankings, Junior National finalists and Senior National qualifiers. Also, Powers has given clinics in 25 countries, written articles for swimming magazines both in the US and overseas and speaks four languages. Joseph said the plan is for Powers to be based in Dumaguete, but he would still be traveling all over the country to help the PASA come up with courses for athletes, parents and even for those who want to be in the masters category. The report said Powers will accompany swimmers from the Silliman Red Snappers and the Negros Oriental Blue Dolphins to Bacolod for the Masskara Swimming competition on Oct. 18 and 19. - GMANews.TV