The face of Edina boys’ swimming, coach Art Downey, is adorned with legendary black-rimmed glass and an encouraging smile. He always carries his classic stopwatch as he leads practices at the Art Downey Aquatic Center, the remodeled South View pool that was named in his honor in 2006. He (and his stopwatch) has been with the program since its beginning and has transformed the way the sport is viewed.
Over the course of his five decades with the swim team, Mr. Downey experienced many memorable moments in coaching his swimmers. “What I’m doing right now, or during the season, that is the best memory. Whatever I am doing now because that is what is right there,” Mr. Downey said. “The most rewarding part is I get to work with young people and their families, really nice people.”
This year, the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) named Mr. Downey as one of twenty high school coaches of the year. According to the NHSCA website, this award is given to coaches who are dedicated to improving the lives of young athletes on and off the field and in and out of the pool.
In addition to being named a national coach of the year, he has also been recognized as a Section 6AA Coach of the Year eleven times and as a state coach of the year six times. Mr. Downey has coached his team to ten state team victories and a third place finish last year. His record last season was 24-1, contributing to a career dual meet record of 483-141-1.
Art Downey was proud to receive the distinction of a national coach of the year. “I’m really appreciative of it and humbled because I know there are lots of other people who are deserving of this. I’m honored to receive it.”
His athletes were just as proud of their coach, whom they respectfully refer to as Mr. Downey. Senior Andrew Peterson, a captain for the 2011-2012 season, was not surprised when he learned his coach had received this award. “It seemed like it was definitely coming his way,” said Petersen. Mr. Downey was very deserving because of his thoughtful workouts and advice. His encouraging quips are known around the pool deck. “‘Perfect practice makes perfect,’” Petersen quoted Mr. Downey as frequently saying.
Senior Erik Rehnberg, another captain, also believes that his coach was the perfect candidate for this award. “Mr. Downey’s focus isn’t just on winning, but making us better swimmers and better people, something that’s kind of rare for coaches. The first thing he says to us each season is that we have to be gentlemen 24/7, 365 days a year.”
Art Downey’s granddaughter, junior Sarah Downey, cheers on the swim team and celebrates their victories. And yes, “He always wears his pants that high; it is not just for practice,” said Sarah. With his high-waisted shorts and tucked-in t-shirts, the face of Edina boys’ swimming is known for his fashion as well as his success in the pool.
