If you’ve raised kids in Newton, odds are pretty pretty good that their and your lives has been touched by Mary and Scott Pohlman. They’re the coaches of the Bluefish, Newton’s city-wide swim team. Over more three-plus decades they’ve coached thousands of kids, starting as young as five and continuing through high school.
On the occasion of their 500th win and victory last weekend in the B-Champs (and as we all marvel at the Olympic swimmers) it was nice to see two articles last week about Mary, Scott and their family. There’s a Globe story here and one from the Newton TAB here.
From the TAB..
Mary and Scott Pohlman, and their children, Michael, Mark, and Katelyn, who coach as well, have done this time and time again, for each of the nearly 300 swimmers on the team. Not only do they know every swimmer by name, they also recognize each one’s strengths and weaknesses, and have a word of congratulations or guidance for the end of every race.
From the Globe, quoting Katie Ridge Greeley, who swam for the Pohlmans as a 16-year-old in 1980, has sent three children to the program…
“They’re a remarkable couple….They treat everyone the same and make them feel like they’re the only swimmer on the team. And I don’t know how they do it, but they remember everyone’s name. They’re dedicated and believe in what they do.”
