News Summary
The Linsly School has appointed Jim Merinar as the new Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach. He brings over 20 years of coaching experience and aims to enhance athlete technique and build a positive team culture. His coaching philosophy aligns with Linsly’s commitment to sportsmanship and academic achievement. The Linsly community is optimistic about the direction of the swimming programs under his leadership heading into the upcoming season.
Linsly School Appoints Jim Merinar as New Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach for 2025-2026 Season
Wheeling, West Virginia – The Linsly School has announced the appointment of Jim Merinar as the new Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This announcement was made on July 30, 2025, following the departure of longtime coach Bill Brubaker, who led the Cadets to victory at the OVAC Championships in both the Boys’ and Girls’ 1A-3A divisions last season.
Merinar brings with him over 20 years of coaching experience at high school varsity and YMCA swim teams. His most notable previous roles include serving as the head varsity coach at Newberry Academy in South Carolina and Central Mountain High School in Pennsylvania. Merinar has also coached year-round YMCA swim programs in various states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, demonstrating a broad and adaptable skill set in swim instruction.
The focus of Coach Merinar’s coaching philosophy centers on enhancing athlete technique, building endurance, and nurturing a positive team culture. His emphasis on a disciplined training environment aligns with the Linsly School’s values in sportsmanship and academic achievement. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Lehigh University and is certified by USA Swimming, which further bolsters his credentials and commitment to the sport.
The decision to select Merinar follows the successful tenure of Coach Brubaker, who was instrumental in guiding the Linsly swim teams to notable championships. Brubaker’s leadership fostered a competitive spirit and achievement level that many hope will continue under Merinar’s guidance. The Linsly community has expressed optimism about the fresh direction Merinar will provide, aiming to uphold the tradition of swimming excellence that the school has established over the years.
Linsly School officials highlighted Merinar’s dedication to athlete development, noting that he is well-equipped to lead the swimming programs into the future. His history of cultivating talent and teaching young athletes the importance of both competitive success and personal growth has garnered him respect within the swimming community. Parents, students, and faculty are excited about what Merinar’s leadership will bring to the Cadets as they prepare for the upcoming season.
With a rich background in coaching and an established commitment to cultivating young swimmers, Merinar is poised to take Linsly’s swimming programs to new heights. The Linsly athletic department is looking forward to the 2025-2026 season and anticipates that under Merinar’s coaching, the swimming teams will continue to thrive. The anticipation for the new season is palpable among team members and fans alike, setting a promising stage for the future of swimming at Linsly School.
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Additional Resources
- Times Leader: Linsly School Announces Jim Merinar as New Head Swim Coach
- Times Leader: StC, Beaver Local, Linsly Take OVAC Swimming Titles
- Times Leader: Brubaker Retires as Linsly Swim Coach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming
- Times Leader: Levi Hired as the New Linsly Swimming Coach
- Google Search: Linsly School Swimming
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