By Sierra Williams
Executive Sports Editor
Out of all of the boys’ waterpolo coaches in the Southern Section, the California Coaches Association honored Costa coach Jon Reichardt as Coach of the Year for the 2013-14 season.
The association asked Reichardt to consider the award after other coaches nominated him. He found out that he won on Jan. 7.
“I was not going to do it, but many of my peers and fellow coaches told me to submit an application,” Reichardt said. “I thought there was no way I could win this, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is such an amazing honor to win.”
This season, Reichardt’s team finished Bay League undefeated and went on to claim the California Interscholastic Championship. Overall, the team had a 18-4 record, with losses in the Henry Stuart South Bay Tournament and the Steven Pal Memorial Tournament.
“Winning CIF should speak for itself on his coaching,” team captain senior Gabe Smith said.
According to Reichardt, the team’s accomplishments are due to the help from fellow coaches Dave Halushka and Damon Kern.
“It is always good to be recognized by your peers,” Reichardt said. “But a coach is really only as good as the other coaches he has around him.”
Smith believes Reichardt showed him how to be a committed team player and dedicated athlete.
“He taught me that without commitment, you cannot win,” Smith said. “He brought a very calm and disarming attitude to practices.”
Reichardt is optimistic for the next year and looking forward to a fresh season.
“Hopefully, I can retain the same coaching staff,” Reichardt said. “I plan to keep my team working hard into next season.”
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