I was quite honored when Karen Fortoul called me and asked me to speak on behalf of the swimmers and friends of Paul Fortoul from Asphalt Green. I feel a bit old in saying this but I have been a swimmer for 47 years. During the course of these 47 years, I have met quite an interesting group of fellow swimmers, many of whom have become friends, and many of whom I have developed significant respect for. Paul was one of those. We first met which may have been 25 years or so ago while swimmers training at the CCNY pool, and as members of the Red Tide.
Many of you don't know, but Paul was a decent butterflyer in his day as a master swimmer. Subsequent to our days of working out together in the pool, our paths continue to cross as we all know that Paul was a venerable and significant presence within the swimming community of New York. Paul ultimately became my coach as Asphalt Green, always supportive and learned to put up with my late arrivals and early departures. Our lives became further intertwined when an opening became available here at Fieldston for the Head Coach position of the Swim Team.
I called Steve Bluth, the Athletic Director at Fieldston, and pushed hard to have him hire Paul to fill the opening. Bluth couldn't quite understand the pens in the pocket and the retro eyeglasses, however, I think we all recognize that it was a great choice for Fieldston.
My interest in bringing Paul to the Fieldston swimming team was based, in part, upon the fact that my son was going to be the incoming captain of the team for his senior year, and I thought he was ready to take the next step, and of course Paul was the person to help him with that. He had a great year under Paul's tutelage. It was a rather short season (November to February) and everyone was quite surprised that he was able to break 2 minutes in the 200 Free without Agua Swim Team training. Paul and I had an ongoing joke as to why my son Greg did so well in the Eastern Championships in his events. Paul claimed it was the training, I claimed it was his genes. I would like Paul to know, if he is listening now, that I was just joking. Of course we know it was the coaching that led to Greg's success as a Fieldston swimmer.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "A man's growth is seen in the success of choirs of his friends". Fortunately in the days of the internet, one is able to document the choirs of one's friends. Many of the people sitting in this audience contributed to the online guest book for Paul. I would like to read some of the quotes in this guest book as I think the depth of adulation and the extent of his reach is well documented in his friend's choirs.
"You were a good friend and a great coach. When I swam around Manhattan, you were there with our team standing in the rain by the Asphalt Green, cheering me on. If I was 15 minutes late for practice, you would look up at me over your cockeyed glasses and look at a clock and say sheepishly, "I'm not saying anything". I used to drive you home after Saturday practice, all 50 pounds of papers and you. I so wanted to get you a Palm Pilot and a new pair of glasses. That was from Jordan Waxman.
Larry Williams said, "Paul was an amazing human being. He was a tough coach, but he had a gentle spirit. Generous, kind, and devoted all describe Paul but they pale when trying to describe the essence of this man..... Paul was a beautiful being who challenged his fellow swimmers and helped us grow. He will be missed."
Betsy Jelisavic said "I still see you out of the corner of my eye as I try to "think long strokes in the pool" as you once told me.
Henry Eckstein recanted "I also enjoyed many talks with him about astronomy whenever I gave Paul a ride to Washington Heights on the way back from the pool."
Susan Murray said "What good fortune it was to have happened on those Saturday morning Masters workouts way back when, even before Paul was given his signature "Vest of many Pockets".
Peter McGrane discussed "Paul's uncommonly wonderful zest and personality to swimming. Only one coach could walk on deck and read off everyone's swim pace from memory. You had that much inate dedication".
Bruce Semer stated "Paul was a great coach and always had time for his swimmers. He was always everyone's coach regardless of what team they swam with".
Freyda Faivus said "Even though I was never fast and not the most consistent team member, Paul always made me feel great about being part of the team, making progress, and enjoying every aspect of our competitive sport, and I think he was instrumental in fostering that special camaraderie.
Tom Gelinne remarked, "I always felt a little sense dread when I saw Paul was going to be our coach for swim practice, but after it was all over, I always realized what a great workout I had. No can track swimmers and their times like Paul. I think he had an extra brain in his head just for timekeeping".
Steve Sokolow wrote, "Paul was a swimming purist who loved the sport and its people. As I told Paul, he had a tremendous effect on his swimmers. He got them to places they never thought were possible. We had a very intense Coach-Swimmer relationship in which he pushed me hard day-in and day-out. At times, I was angry about the pushing, but I loved him for it. Paul was also a highly intelligent, interesting citizen of New York, and we had many great talks in my car as I dropped him off after practice".
Dr. Jane Katz, who essentially founded Masters Swimming in New York with Paul in the mid 70's told me "our hearts, souls and minds were essentially one and the same".
Vol Davis described it clearly in my mind by stating, "We will all miss Paul dearly. His gentle demeanor, dry sense of humor, infinite intelligence, and his true dedication to all facets of swimming".
And finally, I would like to close with a comment from the Queen of New York swimming, Karen Einsidler. "I can't find the words to express how I feel. I really loved Paul and appreciated all he did for me over the years. I miss him and he will have a special place in my heart forever". Thank you for the opportunity to speak about my friend and coach, Paul Fortoul.
3/13/2008