News Summary

After 25 years of dedicated coaching, Rory Fairbanks bids farewell to Hutchinson High School’s swimming program. Renowned for transforming young athletes into champions, Fairbanks leaves behind a legacy of excellence. Under his guidance, the girls’ team captured three state championships, while the boys’ team also achieved competitive success. Although retiring from coaching, Fairbanks plans to continue teaching physical education, emphasizing family time and lasting friendships built over the years. His contributions and values will forever inspire future swimmers in the community.

Farewell to a Legend: Rory Fairbanks Retires After 25 Years of Coaching Swimming

Hutchinson has watched a true champion make his splash in the world of swimming for the last quarter of a century. Rory Fairbanks, the beloved coach of both the girls’ and boys’ swimming teams at Hutchinson High School, recently hung up his whistle after an impressive career that lasted 25 years. That’s right, folks! After a remarkable journey, this coaching icon is bidding us farewell.

A Long and Accomplished Career

Fairbanks has long been a pillar of the Hutchinson swimming community. He took the helm of the girls’ swimming program right out of the gate 25 years ago, establishing a legacy that transformed young swimmers into state champions. Under his guidance, the girls’ team took home the Class 1A state championship trophy not once, but three times—in 2003, 2004, and 2010. That’s a record that definitely makes waves!

But Fairbanks didn’t stop there. Ten years into his impressive career, he expanded his coaching expertise to lead the boys’ swimming program. From 2008 to 2016 and then from 2018 to 2025, he has built a competitive boys’ team that also made its mark, finishing in third place at the state tournament in 2024. It’s safe to say that he didn’t just maintain Hutchinson’s strong swimming program; he made it flourish!

Cheering From the Sidelines

Throughout his years of coaching, Fairbanks has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support he has received from his athletes, their parents, the school, and the entire community. It’s been a collective effort that’s brought Hutchinson to the forefront of high school swimming, and he made sure to soak up every moment of it.

It’s not just about the medals and trophies; it’s the lasting bonds he formed with each swimmer that will forever be cherished. Fairbanks has always encouraged his athletes to strive for their personal best while being a supportive figure both in and out of the pool.

Recognition Like No Other

In 2022, the accolades began pouring in for Fairbanks when he was honored as the National Swim Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletics Coaches Association. This prestigious award was bestowed upon him during their annual conference, a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the sport and the young athletes of Hutchinson.

Looking Ahead: Family and Future Endeavors

Now that the swim coach’s cap has been metaphorically laid aside, the next chapter in Fairbanks’ life is all about family. He plans to continue teaching physical education at the high school, ensuring that the future generations of students benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Fairbanks is excited about the prospect of spending more quality time with his cherished family. His heart is full with tales of laughter and love, as he looks forward to creating new memories with his wife, children, and three grandchildren—plus another on the way! Let’s not forget his loyal companion, their dog, who will surely relish this newfound time together.

A Legacy That Will Swim On

Rory Fairbanks has left an indelible mark on Hutchinson’s swimming program, one that will inspire years of future athletes. Though he may be stepping away from coaching, the values of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication he instilled in countless young swimmers will continue to ripple through the community for years to come. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the legacy of his leadership and achievements will forever resonate in the waters of Hutchinson High School.

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