South African Johno Fergusson has resigned as the head coach of Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics effective August 5th, he confirmed to SwimSwam earlier this week.
Fergusson has been the head coach of the program based on the University of Arizona campus since 2011. The team, composed of age groupers up to pros, and as the club of record for most University of Arizona swimmers during USA Swimming meets, has a big footprint in swimming in the United States. They placed 8th in the combined team scoring at the U.S. National Championships three weeks ago.
“On Tuesday August 5th, I formally handed in my resignation to the Ford Aquatics board,” Fergusson said. “Since joining Ford in August of 2011, I have seen the club grow in strength and size. We achieved a silver medal status this past season and will be again this coming season. We won multiple senior state championships and placed in the top ten at Western Zone Sectionals. We also have committed over 90% of our seniors in college swimming programs. I am very proud of the work I have done with Ford Aquatics.”
Fergusson is engaged to former NCAA Champion and U.S. National Team swimmer Maggie Meyer, and says that his relationship is an important part of his decision.
“As a coach, I am always seeking new challenges and to grow my knowledge base of the sport, this was the next step in my ‘evolution’ and coaching career,” Fergusson continued via email from South Africa. “Having a new fiancé in my life, was also a factor in my decision and wanting to find opportunities closer to her.”
FORD and the Tucson Swimming community will miss Johno! He is a great leader and is a world class coach! My children loved the many years of swimming under Johno (and Maggie). Best wishes to he and Maggie. We love and miss them both!
Johno is a incredible coach. My child improved tremendously under his guidance. Not only is he a tremendous technique coach; Johno is a charismatic leader that motivates athletes to perform at a higher level. We are sad to see him leave.
Maggie is one of those rare swimmers who is also a great coach. The younger swimmers learned and performed well with Maggie. Swimmers and parents all adored her.
We wish them all the best.
Tucson will really miss Johno. He helped lots of swimmers at Ford achieve great things during his tenure there. He was voted as coach of the year last year in Arizona Swimming (www.azswimming.org). I wish him all the best and whoever hires him is getting a great coach.
Smart coach, an even smarter man.