News Summary

Bob Winslow, the esteemed varsity boys swim coach at Belfast Area High School, retires after 52 remarkable seasons. His contributions to the sport and mentorship of young athletes have left a profound impact on the community. With an impressive record and numerous championships, Winslow has shaped the swimming program and inspired countless swimmers. As he transitions into retirement, he will remain with the team as a diver coach for one last season, ensuring a smooth handover. Winslow’s legacy will forever be cherished by the school and the athletes he influenced.

Belfast Says Goodbye to a Coaching Legend

After an incredible 52 seasons at the helm, Bob Winslow is hanging up his stopwatch and calling it a day as the varsity boys swim coach at Belfast Area High School. The 75-year-old coach, who has dedicated over half a century to mentoring young swimmers, informed Belfast Athletic Director Susan Robbins of his retirement plans last winter, leaving a lasting impression on the school’s swimming legacy.

A Legacy of Excellence

Winslow joined the coaching ranks back in 1973 when the boys swim team was just finding its feet, sporting a mere six or seven swimmers. From those humble beginnings, he fought hard to keep the swim program alive, and fast forward to today, the results are nothing short of spectacular. He boasts an impressive dual meet coaching record of 462 wins, 163 losses, and only 6 ties. Remarkably, under his leadership, the boys team has not had a losing dual-meet season since 1987 — which speaks volumes about his coaching prowess and commitment to the sport.

Championships and Achievements

Winslow is not just a coach; he is a true champion-maker. He guided the team to victory, securing three state titles in 2000, 2001, and 2022, as well as five state Class B runner-up finishes in 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2012. His coaching style has shaped the careers of 33 individual state champions and 17 state relay champions. His exceptional efforts have not gone unrecognized, as he has earned the title of state Class B swim coach of the year five times and twice for diving.

Winslow’s teams have also claimed 18 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference (KVAC) Class B titles and he has received 15 KVAC Coach of the Year honors throughout his lengthy career, leading a total of 83 individual conference champions and 41 relay champions. His remarkable journey even led to his induction into the Maine Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame in 2021 – a well-deserved honor for such a dedicated coach.

Looking to the Future

With his decision to retire primarily driven by health concerns, Winslow plans to take some much-needed time off to travel with his wife. But don’t think he is leaving the swim team high and dry just yet! He has generously agreed to stay on as the diver coach for one more season to help ease the transition for the incoming coaching staff. Despite having no prior experience with diving, Winslow learned the ropes by attending clinics and poring over coaching materials, proving once again that a great coach is always learning and adapting.

Throughout his illustrious career, Winslow has made significant contributions beyond just coaching. He has actively worked on upgrading the team’s pool equipment and introduced a new timing system, emphasizing the importance of having modern tools at their disposal. His passion for developing younger swimmers has sparked a newfound interest in the sport, seeing many first-year participants join the team each season.

Fostering Competition

Winslow understood that to cultivate a successful swim program, fostering a competitive spirit is key. His teams enjoyed fierce rivalries with nearby schools like MDI, Ellsworth, and Morse, which not only raised the bar for swimmers but also helped build camaraderie and support among the team. Adapting his coaching methods to align with changes in competitive swimming and diving regulations over the years is just another testament to his dedication to the sport.

But coaching wasn’t the only life Winlow has rich in accomplishment. For 51 years, he has also been a member of the ski patrol in Camden, even receiving a Lifetime Service Award in 2023 from the National Ski Patrol.

As Belfast prepares to transition to a new chapter without Bob Winslow at the helm, the city is filled with gratitude for his decades of service, inspiring countless young athletes to chase their dreams in the pool. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the swimmers he coached, and the community will always treasure the memories of his unwavering passion for swimming.

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