News Summary

Mike de Bear has announced his resignation as head coach of the Upper Arlington boys swimming team after 15 successful years. His decision to prioritize family over coaching comes after years of balancing commitments. Under his leadership, the team achieved numerous accolades, becoming a strong contender in Ohio swimming. As he steps down, de Bear plans to focus more on his family while continuing his role as an educator. The community reflects on his significant impact on the swim program.

Exciting Changes for Upper Arlington’s Boys Swimming Team

In a surprising turn of events, Mike de Bear, the man behind the success of the Upper Arlington boys swimming team, has announced his resignation after an incredible 15-year tenure. This decision, shared with the community on May 5, surely leaves a significant mark. Under his leadership, the team has become one of the most respected public-school swimming programs not just in central Ohio, but across the entire state.

Putting Family First

In this fast-paced world, more and more people are realizing the importance of prioritizing family. Mike de Bear is no exception. Citing family commitments as the driving force behind his resignation, he acknowledged that his coaching responsibilities often pulled him away from significant family moments. In fact, he described how he found it tough to miss swim meets while his family cheered from the stands. This juggling act hasn’t been easy; his focus on coaching left little room for personal family time.

Throughout his marriage to Nicole, which spans 17 years, she has seen how dedicated he has been to his work. According to Nicole, Mike was often glued to his phone, juggling emails and texts, even during family dinners. Now, with his resignation, he is looking forward to making more special memories with their children: McKayla, 12, Kennedy, 11, and Joey, just 8 years old. The thought of spending more quality time with them fills him with joy.

The Road to Resignation

Interestingly, this wasn’t a snap decision. Mike has been contemplating his path for the past two to three years. He knew the day would come when he would need to prioritize his family over his coaching career. The emotional challenge of receiving updates and pictures of his children during swim meets often tugged at his heartstrings, and now he’s ready to redirect that emotional energy toward his family.

A Legacy of Success

Mike de Bear’s legacy as a coach is nothing short of remarkable. During his years with Upper Arlington, he achieved a slew of accomplishments that few can rival. He was honored as a four-time state and eight-time district Coach of the Year. During his illustrious coaching career, his teams captured seven district championships and consistently proved themselves formidable competitors, finishing as state runners-up six times.

His coaching prowess isn’t limited to team victories; he also guided seven individual state champions and one championship-winning relay team to glory. Mike’s athlete-centered approach means that he not only focused on winning but also on the development of each swimmer. With so many accolades to his name, it’s no wonder the community will miss his leadership.

A Passionate Background

Born and raised in Ohio, Mike is a proud 1997 graduate of Thomas Worthington High School, where he not only excelled in swimming but also showcased his talent in water polo. Following high school, he continued his water polo journey at Syracuse University, further cultivating his love for aquatic sports. His coaching career began at his alma mater as an assistant from 2001 to 2004. He then took the helm at Dublin Scioto before settling at Upper Arlington in 2010.

New Horizons Ahead

When he’s not coaching, Mike is also dedicated to education, teaching AP economics, AP European history, and modern world history. With his departure from coaching, he hopes to enrich his role as an educator while balancing family life. The de Bear family is ready to embark on new adventures together, moving forward with excitement and plenty of possibilities.

As the community reflects on Mike de Bear’s significant contributions to Upper Arlington swimming, one thing is clear: his dedication to both his family and coaching has made a lasting impression. While the pool will miss him, his family looks forward to the bright future ahead!

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