By Maddie Pulliam and William Simon, Co-Staff Development Director and Staff Reporter
The boys’ swim team owes much of its success to coach Mark Tirone, who, after 30 years of coaching, decided to retire from his position earlier this year.
Tirone began teaching Health and Physical Education at Conestoga in 1994. He also started coaching cross-country, boys swim, spring track and later, tennis. After swimming in high school and at West Chester University, Tirone felt inspired to create his own club, Westtown Aquatics, where he spent seven years coaching.
“I am passionate about the sport and getting students interested in the sport,” Tirone said.
Tirone’s favorite moments of coaching come from seeing his swimmers progress in their athletic careers. He enjoys witnessing their hard work and dedication pay off as they compete, whether they are beginners or seasoned athletes.
“It’s a combination of things. Seeing the novice swimmers progress and reach the Central League Championship meet at the end of the year and the elite swimmers doing well at districts and qualifying for states is (my favorite),” Tirone said.
Known for his positive and encouraging coaching style, Tirone always pushed his swimmers to complete difficult workouts and fast-paced sets. According to senior swimmer Hutch Wood, Tirone would make swimming for Conestoga as enjoyable as possible.
“Something I liked about him is that he wouldn’t just watch us swim. He would encourage us to swim faster,” Wood said. “He would tell us to pick up the pace and he’d always cheer us on as we’re swimming.”
Although the swim team members will miss Tirone, the swimmers are excited for the new coach, Jared Messics, to bring a new perspective to the team. Having worked with the Upper Main Line YMCA’s swim club since October 2021, Messics was already familiar with many of the swimmers in the area when he began coaching.
“I have heard all positive stuff about him, so I am really looking forward to what he has to bring,” Wood said. “I think he is going to be a great replacement for Mr. Tirone.”
According to the swimmers, they will still talk about Tirone frequently and he will be used as motivation during their season. He will also be commemorated in the team’s spirit day where the swimmers dress up as Tirone.
“His legacy will always be in the ’Stoga swim team, and he’ll show up to some of the meets too,” Wood said. “Hopefully, if we ever get a pool, I would definitely name it after Mr. Tirone.”
Maddie Pulliam can be reached at [email protected].
William Simon can be reached at [email protected].
