Crean Lutheran fourth-year swimming coach Craig Brown, who guided the Saints’ girls to a CIF state title last spring and a fourth consecutive CIF-SS title, said Friday that he has been dismissed by the school.
Brown declined to comment on the reason for his dismissal but said in a letter to the school’s aquatics families:
“Today, I met with (executive director) Mr. (Jeffrey) Beavers who compassionately let me know that Crean Lutheran High School has decided to go in a different direction as to the school’s Head Coach for the aquatics programs.”
Brown guided Crean Lutheran’s girls swim team to the CIF Division 2 title in May along with the girls state title in Fresno. Diver Colten Young captured his second straight boys state title.
The Saints’ girls also won CIF Division 2 in 2015 and CIF Division 3 titles in 2013-14. Brown was The Register’s girls coach of the year in 2014.
Brown’s tenure also included a national private high school record by Ella Eastin the 200-yard individual medley and national private high school record in the girls 400 free relay.
“I’ve very proud of what we’ve done,” Brown said Friday. “We’re parting as friends.”
Brown said he also was dismissed as the school’s boys water polo coach.
Crean Lutheran’s girls swim should again be one of the county’s top teams this spring with standout juniors Elise Garcia and Eva Merrell.
Here is Brown’s complete letter:
Dearest Crean Swim, Dive and Water Polo Families,
Today, I met with Mr. Beavers who compassionately let me know that Crean Lutheran High School has decided to go in a different direction as to the school’s Head Coach for the aquatics programs.
I was honored to be Head Coach for the past four years and I am so proud of what we accomplished together. Athletes, coaches, and parents have worked, and I pray will continue to work, to exemplify the school’s athletic mission statement – running (swimming, diving and playing) in such a way as to get the prize. And, oh did we get a few prizes! We won four CIF Championships, one Runner-Up and one State Championship. Our swimmers set two National records, numerous State and CIF records plus, garnered many State and CIF individual championships. Also, I managed to eke out a Coach of the Year Award (OC Girls Swimming/Diving) in 2015 and this month received a letter informing me that I have been selected to receive the 2016 Coach of the Year at the state level in Swimming & Diving. Obviously, these recognitions reflect the outstanding performances of our team!
I am confident that each of you will continue to proclaim Jesus Christ through your Commitment Honor Responsibility Intelligence Sacrifice and Team Work. And, as you move ahead with new leadership, know that I will always be your biggest cheerleader and, except for Mrs. Fulkerson, will be the loudest!
Thank you for four incredible years. I love you all.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Thanks be to God.
Please send swimming news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter
