Having a coach move to a different school is a big change. Coach Josh Galati, the girl’s and boy’s swim coach for the past four years, has officially moved to Francis Howell High. Thus, making a spot open for a new coach. Rowan Pugh, an English teacher at Francis Howell North is going to be the new assistant coach for both the girl and boys swim team.

“I was really upset to hear that Galati was going to leave us, but I’m happy that he found another opportunity,” junior Torie Montgomery said. “A lot of the girls were upset that he was leaving [though].”

Although losing a coach can cause challenges, it can also lead to new possibilities. After coaching for three years at the YMCA, Pugh took a break due to COVID-19. Now she’s looking forward to getting back into the pool and coaching once again. In hopes of recruiting more teammates, Pugh has talked about the swim team with all of her classes and the Student Council. She is excited to get to know the swimmers and to see them as not only students but on her team as well.

“I’m excited to be with my teammates again. We all have formed a really good bond that I’ve missed and I’m excited to be able to hang out with all of them,” Montgomery said.

The girl’s swim team tryouts will begin on Nov. 7, starting the season off with their new assistant coach Mrs. Pugh. The team will continue to have their practices from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Rec-Plex in St. Peters; they will also compete in several meets throughout the winter season.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing the girls’ growth and the program’s growth. I’m okay if we don’t always win, but if we’re constantly working on trying to get better, that’s my goal,” Pugh said.