Coach Holtrey Honored for Extraordinary 45-Year Career
Graduates, parents, students and fans came together during HawkFest weekend to pay tribute to swim coach Jerry Holtrey as his incredible 45-year career comes to a close.
On Friday, Jan. 31 as part of HawkFest, the boys and girls swim teams recognized Jerry prior to his last home meet and presented him with a championship ring. Senior captains Bethany Fitzgerald, Eleanor Rimmerman, Henry Senkfor and Elijah Spiro all spoke to the capacity crowd in attendance. Click on their names to read their speeches. Coach Holtrey was also presented with recognitions from the US House of Representatives, Governor Kasich's office, the City of Glendale, and the mayor of Shaker Heights.
To make their coach proud, both teams won their respective meets, with the boys edging St. Edwards in the final event of the evening. Henry Senkfor ’14 fought to the finish in the final event -- the 400 free relay. He out-touched St. Edwards’ anchor leg by a narrow margin after the two teams were stroke for stroke through the entire event. The crowd chanted “Jerry Holtrey” immediately following the win!
To make their coach proud, both teams won their respective meets, with the boys edging St. Edwards in the final event of the evening. Henry Senkfor ’14 fought to the finish in the final event -- the 400 free relay. He out-touched St. Edwards’ anchor leg by a narrow margin after the two teams were stroke for stroke through the entire event. The crowd chanted “Jerry Holtrey” immediately following the win!
The recognition continued Saturday, Feb. 1 at a dinner and ceremony attended by 260 alumni swimmers, parents, and fans. Former parent Cary Seidman gave a warm welcome and served as master of ceremonies for the evening. After remarks from Board of Trustee Chair Charlie Cooley and Head of School Scott Looney, tributes were given by swimmers from different decades of Jerry's career. Click on the names below to listen to speeches from the evening.
Cary Seidman - introduction
Rick Stacy - tribute
Dale Porter - tribute
Bob Anslow '77 - tribute
Byron Davis '88 - tribute
Erica Rose '00 - tribute
Jerry Holtrey - speech
Also part of Saturday's event was a proclamation from Hawken's board of trustees, and the announcement by Head of School Scott Looney for plans to create a swimming hall of fame to be named in Jerry's honor.
Finally, it was time for Jerry to say a few words. In the end, after all of his many championship titles, records and accolades, he said he's most proud of his swimmers. Jerry will be missed, but his efforts will live on in the lives of the many who credit him as someone who taught them work ethics and character, and to many served as a father figure.
Click here to view a program from Saturday's tribute, which includes a list of Jerry's career highlights.
Click here to view a photo gallery from the weekend's events.
Click here to read a heart-felt retrospective of Jerry's career by Chris Lillstrung of The News-Herald.
Click here to read an article by Tony Lange of the Chagrin Valley Times.
Click here to read a retrospective in Swimming World Magazine.
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Open water champion Erica Rose '00 pays tribute.
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Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
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