Orinda Park Pool

OPP Coaching Staff 2007

Bios

Brad Allen is back for his tenth season as a coach for Park Pool and his third as Co-Head Coach. After 7 years of devout coaching understudy, Brad is raring to go ahead with his third season of co-head coaching the Stingrays. Since the age of 4, Brad has spent every summer basking in the sun on the shores of O.P.P. If you look, you can still find Brad's 6 and under freestyle time on the record board. Brad's ability to have fun but still work hard demonstrates the true essence of the Park.

John "Booyah" Benbenek returns for his fourth year this year at Park and his first as Co-Head Coach. An English teacher in the off-season at Amador Valley High School , Booyah is practically busting at the seams thinking of the upcoming season at Park Pool. His decades of coaching experience, coupled with his passionate dedication to his work have earned him respect from the entire OMPA coaching community and love from every OPP swimmer. John is also a well known astrology aficionado and loves reading, especially horoscopes.

Dave Black brings his swimming expertise back to Park for an 8th season as a senior coach. For the last 18 months, Dave has been working as an extern in the Emory University ER while at the same time participating in an epilepsy research lab. Next year, Dave plans to attend medical school, likely headed to UC San Diego. Dave has seen many summers at Park, and his knowledge on swimming is extensive as he also swam for Emory University before he graduated in 2005.

Tyler Black, or Gunther, as he is affectionately known among the swimmers, is back for his seventh year as a Senior Coach for Park. A recently retired lifelong swimmer, Tyler is very excited to help Park excel once again this summer. Tyler 's strong work ethic is a result of his devotion to OPP and swimming excellence. Tyler has just completed his Junior year at Emory University in Atlanta .

Erin Todd returns to the coaching staff at OPP this summer for her fourth season as a senior coach. Erin has been swimming competitively since the age of three, and excels in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly. Erin swam for a club team at UC Berkeley, where she recently graduated with a degree in English. She is WSI certified, and has taught Red Cross swim lessons for over 5 years. Erin 's quiet, calm and sweet smile beguiles even the most timid swimmer. When not swimming, Erin enjoys rock climbing and volunteering at a mentor program for middle school girls.

Ashley Hall is back for her seventh year as a senior coach at Park just off completing her junior year at Chico State University . Her loving generosity and outstanding patience has set the bar for all other coaches who look to her as an example. Besides coaching, Ashley is known for her uncanny ability to get down and boogie and is reported to have been planning her stingray ball outfit since early last fall.

Kimmie Ralph returns for her seventh season as a senior coach for Park. Kimmie returns to us after a year of studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence , France . Along with being a cosmopolitan, Kimmie is also an experienced coach and a compassionate teacher. She is a former All-Orinda champion in the 50 yard butterfly, and her name can be found across the record boards. Outside of the pool, Kimmie enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and watching movies.

Andy Bluhm returns for his sixth year as a senior coach. 'BluhmBurger' as he is known among the coaches, possesses a strong work ethic and unbridled enthusiasm. Andy has been a contender in all areas of the swimming spectrum, having been both a sprinter and distance swimmer. Andy has completed his sophomore year at UC Davis, where he is playing UCD club rugby, studying biology and chemistry, and takes an active role in his fraternity.

Danny Schultz returns for his sixth season as a senior coach for Park. A lifelong swimmer for Park and a member of many 15-18 record breaking Medley and Free Relays,'Schmaltz' can usually be found poolside with his characteristic blue zinc plastered on his face, and with his aviator sunglasses. Danny has just finished his sophomore year at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania , where he was a member of the chess and checkers teams.

Kevin Railsback looks forward to begin his fifth season as a coach at Park Pool. He ended his swim career after 2005 season, where he posted very impressive times and showed good leadership. He plans to help everyone have a fun season, especially during the swim meet. Says Kevin, "Nothing can compare to the summer life at Park Pool. Let's get it on!" Once a stingray, always a stingray! Kevin just completed his freshman year at U.C.L.A. acting school. Kevin enjoys other activities such as playing pool and listening to Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins.

Greg Allen, senior coach, returns to Park from sunny San Diego , where he recently finished his second year at SDSU. He keeps himself busy with an active academic schedule, fraternity life and many episodes of Jeopardy! This will be Greg's sixth season as a coach for OPP. A recent retiree of the recreational swimming program, he is eager to view the swimming world from the other side. Last season, Greg capped an illustrious swimming career, which spanned over thirteen summers. In his spare time, Greg enjoys techno music, hiking, and foreign films

Devin �McGillicudy' Gilhuly is back for his sixth season as a Senior coach. Focused and determined, Devin is sure to get the job done. Devin has always demonstrated strong encouragement for the entire team. He proved to be an important factor in the success of the men in his age group, acting as a key motivator, supporter, and performer. Devin has just finished his sophomore year at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania .

Rob Anderson , A.K.A. Bartos Xavier Keezerowski, is positively bubbling over with excitement for his fifth year as an OPP coach. Known around the league as an outlandish Park enthusiast, Rob's lanky features and booming voice have led to his being considered the most widely-heard fan at many championship meets. Coming off an incredibly successful final season as a swimmer (and an even more successful year as a freshman at UCSB), Rob is looking forward to devoting every single waking second to OPP.

Ellen Hamilton returns to the Park Pool coaching staff for her fifth year as an OPP coach. Ellen has just finished a hectic senior year at Miramonte, where she was an active member of the Varsity swim team. Ellen is very excited to start the new season and continue the excellence that is OPP tradition. As for the future, Ellen is currently undecided but will most likely go on to higher education as she has been accepted into various colleges

Christina �Budge� Schultz is coming off a victory in the 100 yard free at the OMPA last season, and looks to defend her title in her final season as a swimmer and fourth season as a coach for OPP. 'Budge' swam for Miramonte High School and hopes to bring her swim experience and team spirit to lead Park to Gold. Budge plans to attend college next fall and has taken a strong interest in writing and gardening.

Sarah Normington , with a freshman year at Stanford under her belt, is prepared to prove to OPP the benefits of a top notch education. Sarah is determined to deliver an unparalleled level of dedication and enthusiasm to the coaching staff in her fourth year here at Park as a coach. Obviously, Sarah's attention to detail makes her an exemplary coach, but it does not stop there. In addition to a full schedule of coaching, Sarah enjoys a rigorous schedule of bassoon and oboe lessons.

Emily Selvin is yet another lifetime Park Poolist. She is rejoining us for her fourth year as an OPP coach. Finishing her senior year at College Preparatory School in Oakland , Emily is looking forward to a summer filled with excitement. Focusing on her role as coach, Emily hopes to someday become as influential as the myriad of coaches she learned from. Aside from coaching, Emily is helping to assemble the world's largest peanut gallery

Lindsay Allen is an Orinda Park Pool buff. Fourth of four children to become an OPP coach, Lindsay has been well acquainted with the ways of Park Pool. Lindsay truly knows how OPP works. Having just finished her junior year at Miramonte, Lindsay hopes that Park can achieve the goals she has set for the team. Moreover, Lindsay plans to become the youngest ever professional stingray trainer, hoping someday to perfect the stingray tightrope routine.

The Park Pool staff is proud to welcome Maureen Hamilton, Carmen Montagnon, Katharine Pearce, Alyxa Wenning and Baker Wenning to the 2007 coaching staff. As coaches in training they will work closely with Senior coaches in their development as a coaches and leaders of the team aswell as introducing our Mini-Stingers to the water. We are very happy to have them join our coaching ranks.