Richard Quick – The Coach, the Man, and My Friend

Richard Quick – an icon and a legend in the swimming world. Images of the Olympics, the Pan Am Games, World Games… come to mind. Exalted athletes squinting to see the score board, then victory covering their faces as they scream a victory shout and raise a dynamic fist as yet another record is established,… screaming fans, heavy gold medals and bouquets of roses decorating swimmers who wear the striking Stars and Stripes sweats and grins too large for their faces. Wet hair, the smell of chlorine… He coached 6 Olympic teams from 1984 to 2004 and captured 12 NCAA titles, etc. What about names. Who has Richard coached into stardom who has stood on the top platform? How about the legendary Rowdy Gaines, Jenny Thompson, Tara and Dana Kirk, Janel Jorgensen, Dave McCagg, Summer Sanders, Dara Torres, Misty Hyman, Jill Sterkel and Steve Lundquist. The names stretch over nearly 30 years from SMU, to Auburn, to Texas, to Iowa State, to Stanford, and finally back to Auburn. War Eagle! Success like his doesn’t come from being just a talented coach. It comes from a life of excellence and demanding that excellence from those around him. It also comes from his love of the sport and his love for his kids mixed with an abounding enthusiasm and infectious grin that exudes positive energy in tangible form.

OK – that’s the public coach, pretty amazing. I had the privilege of swimming for Richard and Auburn University way back… not quite the Stone Age. As a high school senior, I was waffling about where to go to college and nothing seemed right. So many opportunities, good schools, etc…. I met Richard, within 3 minutes made my decision and never looked back. Richard was a force that we all wanted to follow, and following him was a monumental pivot point in my life. I learned that life has no limits – just keep pushing the limits and then set new goals as the old ones get broken. I think back at the sets we did and remember both the pain and the exultation as strength and power just poured into not only me, but the entire team as we encouraged each and gasped for air. During most sets, but especially the tough ones, Richard kept the stop watch ticking and his voice shouting encouragement. He’d sit on my block to make sure that I knew the last one was good, but the next one could be even better. Ready GO! After only a few months my body and mind were in top shape; Richard had made me personally into a mental giant. I knew that I could do ANYTHING! And that mindset stays with me today. If someone else can do it, then I can, too. My dad says, “Yeah, she’s nice… but don’t stand in her way.”

On a personal level, Richard was human and became a father figure not only to me, but also to countless others looking for guidance in the college world. On more than one occasion, he felt my forehead, plopped a large dose of Vitamin C in my hand, and decreed that I go home and rest,.. but with his characteristic grin, he suggested that I be back in the morning. His door was always open and he always had time. His hair was a mess at morning workouts, and he enjoyed country music… yes, even in the early A.M. He demanded integrity on and off the deck and began his “nice” talks with the words, “Now, I’m not naïve enough to think… but for the rest of the season, I expect you to…”.

I have lots of memories of Richard that are mine forever, but one memory outshines them all. It was my freshman year and characteristic of Richard, he took me from a small town athlete into a world competitor. It was the finals of the NCAA’s in the 200 fly next to Tracy Caulkins. I knew Tracy was good (43 NCAA wins), but Richard told me to beat her – so I set out to do it. Well I didn’t win – just couldn’t catch her on that last lap, but it was a victory within me that I’ll cherish forever. That race was the best I had in me, every stroke, every turn, every lap – it was all I had. Afterwards, I shook Tracy’s hand and as I looked up, Richard grinning ear to ear came striding across the bulkhead in front of God and the world to shake my hand as well… I keep the 2nd place plaque next to my desk as a standard to remind me of what my “best” is and not to fall short. I’ll never forget that race or what Richard’s handshake meant to me. He was my coach, but more than that my mentor and my friend.

Now I have 3 wonderful kids, and I teach them the “Richard” lessons. Count your race backwards… Only 4 more laps to go… only 2 more laps to go – anyone can swim 2 laps – MOVE! Races are won on the start and the turns... Always push for excellence and always keep your humor. Richard had serious moments, but I mostly remember him always laughing and charged up with the opportunities of the day. I want my kids laughing and charged up as well. Excellence isn’t an option, and where did this “B” come from on your math? Listen to your friends, and don’t take offense,… and always learn to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest as you take each opportunity and race with it!

Thank you, Richard, for being YOU!

Carolyn Goodley Souther
Auburn University - 1981-‘85