By Brent Bosker

Foreign coach has high hopes for P.A. Sharks

Dec 23, 2010 | 5:31 AM

The waters of the Frank Dunn pool are a long way from home for New Zealand born Steven Hay.

However, the new head coach for the Prince Albert Sharks swim club is settling into his new job.

“It’s been excellent so far. Everyone has been very receptive and helpful in getting (me) and my partner settled.”

Hay has been on the job since October and is impressed with the dedication shown by his 60 swimmers.

“One of the hardest things (about) being a coach is usually having to motivate the team, but this is a very self-motivated team already.”

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Before Hay’s arrival, the Sharks had been without a permanent head coach for about a year. Hay said it showed as the team lacked a clear direction.

“Everyone as was just kind of ticking along, going to practice and just doing the basics,” he said.

“The first thing I’ve tried to do is bring in a clear concept of where we are going and what we want to achieve.”

Hay describes himself as a hard but fair coach who is committed to his swimmers.

“If they want to swim faster, if they have goals then I will make sure that they achieve those goals.”

While the swimmers adjust to their new coach, Hay admits he’s had to make some adjustments himself. He said the style and techniques of swimming are the same in Canada as they are in New Zealand, however there are some differences in terminology.

“The swimmers call a turn here, a flip turn where in New Zealand we call it a tumble turn,” said Hay.

“I’ve had a few strange looks. (But) I’m getting used to what to call things now.”

Hay has high aspirations for the club. His main goal is to leave the organization in a better state than when he arrived.

“I want to … get them to a position where if was to leave they would be capable of finding a top level coach.”

Hay said that involves raising expectations and bringing the swimmers and organization to a higher level.

bbosker@panow.com

Photo:

The coaches of the Prince Albert Sharks squared off in a fun race Wednesday night at Frank Dunn Pool. Assistant coach Roger Boucher was first to the wall in the 50 metre free-style swim.
In the photo are head coach Steven Hay, assistant coaches Sharon Lyons, Roger Boucher and Pat Long