In January of 1994, two-time Olympian Bill Forrester embarked on a venture that proved to be educational for him as well as hundreds of young athletes over the past 21 years. He started the Georgia Coastal Aquatic Team (GCAT) that year with a goal to teach swimmers how to be the best they can be in the water and out. With his history in swimming and the knowledge he obtained over his career as a world class athlete, he knows that he can help young children grow into great citizens and great athletes. As a former athlete himself, he knows what it takes to make it to the top. At the age of 18, he won a bronze medal in the 200 meter Butterfly at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Guiding others through the pitfalls of life to the end of their high school swimming career has taught him a lot as well.
When a swimmer begins at GCAT, part of the coach’s job is to help form good character traits during those years. Swimming, as with most sports, teaches them dedication, loyalty, trust, persistence, and honesty. Here a child gets to learn the meaning of failure and success. The importance of experiencing both will give them a better understanding of life. “A Champion is a winner who has lost a lot of races.”
As a novice coach in 1994 all Forrester had was his experience as an athlete. His coaching experience was limited to a few summers helping with his club team or summer league teams. He did have a rich history of coaches who mentored him through his swimming career. Starting with Kirt Meyers, his first coach was quite animated and enthusiastic. Kirt penned the phrase: HOW’S YOUR PMA? (Positive Mental Attitude). “Kirt inspired me to think big and set my goals very high. As a result I worked for the highest level”. Forrester’s next coach was quite different but just as inspiring. Randy Reese has a subdued personality with few words. His inspiration was from his very high expectations for every one of his swimmers. Daily excellence and dedication is what he expected and nothing less. As a collegiate athlete at Auburn University, Forrester was privileged to train under two of the most renowned coaches in the history of swimming. Five time Olympic Coach, Eddie Reese coached him during his Freshman and Sophomore years. Five time Olympic Coach Richard Quick was his coach during his Junior and Senior years. Both of these coaches were inspirational by creating a sense of team pride and team spirit! “In college it was more about team goals and success which led me to my own personal success!”
Using old techniques and training methods from his years of swimming, Forrester began coaching. A relatively young novice group could only take so much of the very hard training. Words of encouragement and inspiration are just as important to help his new athletes to swimming success as they had been to him at a young age. Each year and each competition gave Forrester and his athletes more experience and education to swim smarter and faster. New technology and techniques are always available to incorporate into GCAT training. However, some of the old training concepts continue to provide success for his athletes. “I continually learn from other coaches, but I never forget the training that helped me get to the top. Each year I will try new things. I keep what works the best and get rid of anything that does not work.”
The most important ingredient is the athletes who have become a part of the GCAT family. Each child that comes through our program is as diverse in talent as they are in personality. It is what makes this team so special. Our team members find friendships that last throughout the years. As team members leave to go to college some continue training and some do not. Almost every year a new GCAT athlete attends college as a student/athlete. Athletics in college opens many doors. One of the best things about swimming is that it is a life skill they can continue as they grow older. “It is possibly the best exercise for most anyone.”
The GCAT philosophy has proven to be very successful over the years. Olympic Trials Qualifiers from GCAT have competed in each of the US Olympic Trials since 2000.. Performances on the state and local level are quite impressive as well. Each year GCAT swimmers are encouraged to go back and compete with their summer teams. Supporting summer teams is a significant part of promoting the sport of swimming in Savannah. Fall and winter swimming gives the athlete the physical conditioning that allows them to excel during the summer in the Coastal Swim League or in Long Course competition.
“The process is what keeps me going. The swimmers learn; I learn. It is ongoing.” One thing that will always remain consistent is Forrester’s desire to help these athletes become the best person they can be in the water and out.
