pdf copy - Fairfield College Preparatory School

Jaffe retires from coaching with State ChampionshipCoach of the Yearand a Perfect EndingBacktrack 46 years to 1967.(That’s over six decades andnine Presidencies!) In thosedays swimming was a very differentsport. Fairfield Prep swimmersdid not wear goggles, theycompeted with long hair andswam in 20 yard pools—adistance that no longer existsin competitive swimming. In1967 Bruce Jaffe stepped ontothe pool deck for the firsttime to coach a fledgling highschool swimming & divingteam. Who knew then thatthis young history teacher insuspenders would becomea living legend at FairfieldPrep and in Connecticut HighSchool Swimming & Diving?As the decades wentby, he became known as“Bruce.” Strolling the deck insuspenders, drinking gingerale, glad handing officials,softening up the opposingcoach and rooting for his“ham and eggers,” Bruce Jaffewould become a larger-thanlifefigure known by everyonein the swimming community.Despite a humble beginning,Bruce leaves behind a legacythat is nearly impossible toencapsulate.Highlights includethree state divisionalchampionships, two StateOpen Championships, 100swimmers and divers thatachieved all-state status, overthree dozen All-Americans,15 State Division (Class Land LL) records and six StateOpen records. For 30 yearshe served as the Director ofthe State Open meet. But asanyone who has had Bruce asa teacher knows it’s not aboutstatistics and times. It is aboutthe lessons that needed to belearned. Here are a few of thelessons Bruce Jaffe taught…2 Prep Today