(Editor's note: The following article was submitted by the Jericho Girls Varsity swim team as a tribute to their coach Joe Farrell who died suddenly on July 6.) Jaclyn Murphy (Smurph) describes him simply as the "greatest man [she has] ever met." Rachel Lorintz writes that he "may have been the most perfect human being ever," and Jaimie Chow says that he was "the man who inspired [her] the most."

On July 6, the Jericho Lady Jayhawks Swim team lost the man who Jenna Goldberg describes as the "heart and soul" of the team. Coach Joseph Farrell passed away suddenly, leaving a huge void in this year's season and in the hearts of every swimmer and friend he has ever touched. Coach Stern writes that on that day he, "not only lost a dear friend, but a mentor and a role model."

Coach Farrell was one of the most highly respected men in Jericho athletics and in the Jericho community. He was constantly recognized for his dedication, leadership, morality and success. His first year at Jericho, Coach was named Jericho's Coach of the Year for the significant improvements he brought to Jericho swimming. Marissa Finn says, "Jericho has had a girls varsity swim team forever, but that year was the beginning of a legacy, his legacy."

June Lee writes, "He knew everything, I mean everything!" Coach Farrell was not only respected when it came to the way his girls felt about him; he was deeply and truly loved. When trying to describe the man she called "Coach", Belle Peng simply couldn't. She writes, "He was too great a person for words." His swimmers never had an ill word to speak of him; they appreciated every moment they got to spend with this awe-inspiring man. He had a way with them that was different and more effective that any other adult they had ever encountered and they wanted nothing more than to make him proud. Liana Mari writes, "He spoke like no other person I had ever met and made me feel as if I was the only person he was talking to."

"He taught me so much; not only about swimming, but about life in general," says Michelle Molinari. This feeling has been conveyed time and time again by many different swimmers and was what many considered Coach's greatest attribute. He cared about his girls as people and as students, not just as swimmers. He could often be found in the stands of his girls' softball or lacrosse games, or in the audience watching his swimmers perform in annual fashion or dance shows. Pragya Kakani writes, "He truly cared about us as people and wanted us to do our personal best." Mercy Du says, "I always remember Coach telling us to make an effort in everything we do."

This season will be filled with difficult moments, difficult memories, and difficult swims for the Lady Jayhawks. With the guidance and support of Coaches Stern, Clark, and Strumwasser, and the leadership of the biggest senior class yet, the girls have one goal in mind; Make Coach Farrell proud. Adina Yoon sums up the team's attitude with one line of a poem written about her role model. She writes,

"It was you who told us to see the big picture; and Coach, we'll finish what you started."

The team is holding the 1st Annual Joseph Farrell Memorial Swim Meet on September 29.

The cost for entry is $3 per person. All proceeds from this event will help establish The Joseph Farrell Memorial Scholarship Fund. If you have any questions, please email Coach Stern at richardstern27@yahoo.com or call 637-0100.