Coach Name:

Richard E. Franklin Jr.

How I Got Started In Swimming:

I started swimming at the age of seven at Memorial Pool.  My Aunt taught me how to swim.

Education and Experience:

Currently attending UAB, Special Education

Graduate of Lawson State, History Major

Twelve years of experience as a Lifeguard

Benefits Within This Field:

The benefits within the Aquatic field is working with inner city youth.

Swimming Accomplishments:

I swam for BPR neighborhood pool for seven years.  I coach at Harnes Pool for three years, and East Lake for five years.  As the coach of East Lake, we won the City Championships four years in a row.

Together with Assistant Coach Shawnterria Douglass, we won the District Meet in 2006.  We are the only coaches to every coach BPR to an undefeated season.

My Goals:

Exposing inner city youth to the opportunity to compete in swimming regardless of their background.  My long term team goal is to get an indoor facility built for our BPR team.

My Best Words Of Wisdom:

Never let background get in the way of your goals.

Once we teach a child how to swim, they will never forget!