Welcome Coach Gunther!

It's with great pleasure that Chinook announces that Coach Gunther Niklas will be joining us for 2023-2024 season starting in September! Coach Gunther will work with our Bellevue Red and White teams. Though you will all see him at meets and other Chinook events. Here is a little more about Gunther:

Gunther started swimming in 1972 at the Boys Club of Hollywood and continued as a competitive swimmer through High School and Jr. College. He has been coaching swimming for over 30 years at mostly small swim clubs. In addition to coaching, Gunther was an elementary classroom  teacher for over 20 years. His coaching/teaching career led him to both coasts along with 7 years at International schools in Asia. Gunther has coached and helped develop, Olympic trials qualifiers, USA Swimming AG record holder, Central Cal record holder, Potomac Valley Swimming record, several USA top 10 AG swimmers. Gunther is committed to helping every swimmer achieve their full potential. Gunther has a Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration, along with a multiple subject teaching credential. Gunther has lived in the Pacific NW since 2016 with his  ife Melissa and his 2 daughters Isabelle and Ariel.

Welcome Gunther!