Whittemore takes a sabbatical for Spring semester....
University of Redlands water polo coach Tom Whittemore has taken a sabbatical and will not coach the women’s water polo team this 2008 season.
In no way has Whittemore stepped down from his coaching position with the Bulldogs, he assures that he will be back.
“I have a faculty contract here at the U of R, and therefore I am entitled to take a sabbatical every seven years,” said Whittemore, who coaches the men and women’s teams. “This is my 20th year here and I have never taken a sabbatical before. I have been interested in taking a sabbatical for the last few years, but felt that for several reasons the timing was right to do it now.”
Whittemore will hand over the reigns to former UR star goalkeeper Casey Finfrock, who will serve as the interim head coach. Alie Hower, the school’s all-time leader in goals scored, will assist Finfrock.
“I am extremely confident in the coaching ability of Casey Finfrock,” Whittemore said. “He has tremendous knowledge of the game and is highly organized and detail oriented. With Alie Hower available as his assistant, we have a great staff in place to guide this year’s team.”
Whittemore plans to observe other water polo coaches during his break to continue his development as a coach. He’s also planning to do some research in sports ethics as it relates to water polo.
Currently, the Bulldogs are 2-0 on the young season. They will compete in the UC San Diego Tournament this upcoming weekend.