The Daytona State College head swimming coach, Steve Lochte recently has stepped down from his position. Steve, as well has his daughter Kristin have been placed on administrative leave since December 2, 2010. During this time, Daytona State College has been investigating the poor behavior of some swimmers. The school feels the need to intervene, after there have been reports of some swimmers testing positivley for marijuana, having posession of weapons, and posting racist posters throughout the pool. Also, Lochte has recently been arrested for DUI. According to the resignation terms, he will continue to receive pay until April 15. Meanwhile, Kristin will continue to be a member of the staff until the end of March. After that, she will be able to decide whether or not she wishes to continue working at the school until the end of her contract in June. Apparently, Steve will continue to coach his USA Swimming club team, Daytona Beach Speed.
I was extremely shocked after reading this article. When I first started reading, I wondered if Steve Lochte had any relation to the Olympic swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Towards the end of the article, it describes how even though Ryan Lochte helped his father with the team, he is not a part of the investigation from the college. I could not believe that Steve and Ryan were father and son. I think it's sad that the actions of the team affect the coach, yet I know it is necessary that he resigns. His recent arrest is clearly not a good model for his swimmers. I never realized that at the collegiate level a coach could be affected by the behavior of its athletes.
How Kristin got involved in the investigation? Also, what is her job at the college? Do you think the coach is to blame for the athletes' behavior? I am curious to learn what happens to Steve and Kristin after they officially leave the school, and how it affects Ryan in the 2010 Olympics.
This link goes more in depth about Steve's arrest, and has quotes from Steve and Kristin about the resignation.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2010/12/14/coaches-speak-out-about-arrest-few-bad-apples.html
Wow. I didn't know that swimmers could be so rebellious, especially when swimming at the college level. Are they just acting like this because of their coach? I hope that these issues with the family don't affect Ryan Lochte in the olympics because I am a fan of his.
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