Ray was an accomplished youth and college competitive swimmer but his career was cut short due to an eardrum injury.Prior to joining the Marlins, Ray was the Senior Team Coach of De Anza Cupertino Aquatics (DACA), a major age group swim club.  Many DACA swimmers have been very successful in competition, with members swimming at Senior Nationals, Junior Nationals, Western Zone Meet, and Speedo Sectional Championships.  He is member of American Swimming Coaches Association.

Ray will coach all of the regularly scheduled Marlin weekday workouts from 5:30 a.m. until the Noon workouts conclude at 1 p.m.  His workout regimens are both challenging and varied.  They are designed to accommodate swimmers of all ages and levels of ability.  Count on Ray to offer advice not only on stroke technique but competitive racing strategies as well.  Ray's sense of humor and gift of gab help to make his workout sessions a real pleasure for the swimmers.

On the personal side, Ray is 38-years-old and lives with his wife, Michelle, their 10-year-old daughter, Gabrielle and newborn son, Jack Edwin who arrived on December 9, 2007 at 7 pounds-4 ounces.  Michelle owns her own life and health insurance business, All Health Benefit.  An important part of the Laughlin family are their three dogs (Copper, Shaster, and Beer) and their cat, TJ.  Commuting to the job will not be an issue for Ray--he lives just a few doors away from the Joinville Pool.  When you get to Joinville, you’ll recognize Ray as the man in shorts and a baseball cap, with a stopwatch in one hand and a Diet Dr. Pepper in the other.

Every month, our Lane Lines newsletter will contain "Coaches Corner."  Here is an excerpt from Ray's first column:

First, you are always welcome at anytime no matter your ability, allowances will be made for all levels.  Never feel like you are too slow or too fast for a practice.  I want you to feel comfortable wherever you are.  Personal improvement is the only goal you should be concerned with.  Second, being late or leaving early is no reason to skip a practice.  We all have lives and sometimes we have to adjust.  A 20 minute practice is better than none.  Never feel like you have done something to offend me if you have to leave early.  Finally, I hope you will all try competition.  They are more fun than you might think.  Hanging out all day with friends and going out after are all part of the excitement.

If you are a former Marlin and have not swum at Joinville lately, come by and meet Ray Laughlin.  You'll be pleasantly surprised!

Welcome aboard, Ray!

Courtesy of Bob Leuten.  Bob is a regular contributor to sanmateomarlins.org.