The storied swimming program at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH will have a rare change at the top next season, as head coach Jim Brower announced he will be stepping down.  The seven-time Ohio Coach of the Year will remain as a full-time varsity coach, but will be moving to a “different role within the program” that won’t be head coach. Assistant Coach Tim Beerman will be taking over as interim head coach for the 2015-16 season, according to Cincinnati.com.
As head of St. Xavier’s program for 23 years, Brower has earned 21 team state titles and is the all-time leader in boys’ state championships in Ohio sports history.  Brower’s impressive state championship winning streaks include clenching nine straight titles from 1999 to 2007 and then seven in a row from 2009-2015.
Brower also was at the helm in 1992 and 2001 when St. X earned National Championship titles, and was also the head coach during the height of two National High School Swimmers of the Year’s careers – Joe Hudepohl and Jayme Cramer.  Hudepohl would go on to become the youngest member of the 1992 United States swimming team at the 1992 Olympic Games, earning a gold medal as a member of the 4 x 100m freestyle relay and then also gold in 1996 as part of the 4 x 200m freestyle relay.
Beerman, who will take over the program for at least next season, has been a coach in the Cincinnati area for 21 years, including 8 at St. Xavier’s and 13 as the head coach at the all-girls’ Ursuline Academy. Beerman also works in the school’s registrar’s office.
Jim Brower is an outstanding coach and a true gentleman. He had a positive impact on hundreds of young men. Congratulations on a legendary career.