Ben Smith says ‘thanks’ to Jamestown for previous 18 years – Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — Ben Smith has held his dream profession for nearly 20 years.

“Ever since I joined the swim team in high school I wanted to be a swim coach,” mentioned Smith, the pinnacle coach for the Jamestown High School swimming and diving workforce. “It’s a really big part of my life. Swimming isn’t going anywhere, it’s just changing for me.”

Jamestown High School introduced Smith’s resignation as the pinnacle swimming and diving coach on May 11. As of May 19, the place has not been crammed.

“(The decision to leave) was based on time and family,” Smith mentioned. “Running four or five programs depending on the season got to be a lot of nights and a lot of weekends. I love my job and what I got to do every day, but needed a better work-life balance.”

Smith has been teaching in Jamestown since 2009. He additionally oversaw the University of Jamestown swimming and diving program and his personal swim membership, Prairie Rose Aquatics.

“It’s been really special,” he mentioned. “I just want to thank everyone who has let me be a part of their story through swimming and coaching. It’s fun to watch people grow into the person they want to become. Coaching is so much more than a profession, you get to be a part of people’s lives. Athletes come back and they’re teachers or doctors … you get invited to their weddings, that’s really special.”

Finn Moser, a sophomore for the JHS boys swim workforce, has been coaching below Smith because the summer season of 2022.

“When Ben first started coaching me, I couldn’t even swim all four strokes legally,” Moser mentioned. “He fixed my stroke technique and built up the strength and stamina I needed to get where I am today. The first practices he coached me through were incredibly difficult. I thought he was a tough coach. He worked us hard, but he soon proved to be kind and compassionate.”

Moser is the present program document holder within the 100 yard butterfly. The sophomore broke the earlier document on Dec. 16. He clocked a time of 53,26 seconds to greatest the earlier document by 1.37 seconds.

“I wouldn’t be the same athlete that I am today if (Smith) wouldn’t have coached me these past five years,” Moser mentioned. “I want to thank (him) for all the things that (he’s) done to help me become a better person both in and out of the pool.”

This previous season, the Blue Jays boys workforce completed at 9-2 general. At the 2026 State Swimming and Diving Meet, the athletes posted new college data within the 50, 100, 200 and 500 yard freestyle. The workforce additionally earned college data within the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Two athletes, Moser and Kaden Fabian, have been named to the First-Team, All-State roster, whereas Smith was named the 2026 Coach of the Year. As for the women workforce, the squad positioned within the prime six groups at 5 of their eight meets final yr.

“Jamestown has done a great job supporting the program that we have had,” Smith mentioned. “Thank you for supporting me and all of the kids who have come through the program. It really, really means a lot. I am going to be (the program’s) biggest fan still. I will be following along and going to as many meets as I can. Any way I can give back, I am going to. I just want to say thank you. It’s very bittersweet to leave.”

Katie Ringer is a sports activities reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Katie joined the Sun workers in the summertime of 2019 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a level in journalism. She may be reached by e mail at kringer@jamestownsun.com or by telephone at 701-952-8460.