MIDLAND, Texas — It's a tall task to encapsulate an entire 40-year career in one story, but usually leaders like COM Aquatics Executive Director Brad Swendig have an impact that lingers past their time and helps.
The Midland swimming staple recently announced his retirement to an outpouring of support and the sharing of fond memories.
"I think it's just the day-to-day things. He's really funny. He's really genuine. He's super authentic, and he's not afraid to work," COM Aquatics chairman of the Board of Directors Shawna Burch said.
That "work" turned two swimming pools into a seven-pool world-class facility and several lives changed over big and small moments that he will look back on fondly.
"You know kids that were on the dive team that were trying to get their first dive thrown off the three meter and stuff. Those are exciting too. It's all of it. It's been great, and it's been fun coming to work every day," COM Aquatics executive director Brad Swendig said.
"Legacy" is a word that always pops up during retirement conversation, but Swendig hopes that his heart for all who walk through COM is what has seeped through.
"I hope that it's...we did our best with everyone. You know the kids and the athletes. With the top athletes, we did a great job with them, getting them to compete at the highest level, but also kids that weren't as great of an athlete that we also did a good job with them," Swendig said.
The longtime executive director leaves behind shoes that have been worn for four decades, and the COM Board of Directors has its work cut out for itself when looking for these qualities in the next leader.
"I think honesty. Brad is very honest about his strengths and his weaknesses. Someone who is just a leader and is willing to make the decisions that are best for COM. It's not always fun to be the leader, but Brad has worn it well, Burch said.
The search is on for a replacement, with Swendig's last day coming at the end of 2024.