Broadneck's Swim Coach Speaks Out On Shaving Incident

The Broadneck Bruins coed varsity swim coach Colleen Winans was recently given an opportunity to speak her mind after being reprimanded by school officials.

Winans allowed a swimmer to participate in the Feb. 10 county championships,  For that infraction, the team lost enough points to lose the county championship title, and Winans was banned from attending the regional championship, which the team won.

Days after the story landed on Patch, Winans

After hearing Winans was open to discussing the matter, Patch interviewed her via email:

Broadneck Patch: Tell me about how this thing came about. Who approached who?
Colleen Winans: A swimmer from another team told her coach who then told me.

Broadneck Patch: Do you think the rivalry with Severna Park High School came into play here?
Winans: I did the wrong thing and wanted to make it right for my team. Nothing to do with any rivalry. We were all so excited about this meet! It was truly upsetting to go from such excitement to extreme regret on my part.

Broadneck Patch: Have the past few days been difficult? What has gotten you through all this drama?
Winans: Since this happened on the 10th, I was very upset for a few days. Once I was able to share with the kids what was going to happen, we just set our next goals for regions and the girls were quite gracious.

Broadneck Patch: What did it feel like when you read that the players were motivated to perform better because of your absence?
Winans: I could not have been more proud that my swimmers got fired up to sweep regions. It is a close group of kids and I really enjoy them. I am glad they stepped up for themselves and supported me under the circumstances. It was a very difficult day for me to miss that meet but all the swimmers made me very proud. A big thanks to Krissy Albright, who is the cheerleading coach at BHS. She has a club swimming background and took the reins that day.

Broadneck Patch: Hopeful about the next meet? Think they have a shot at the state this year?
Winans: Of course, we will go into states looking for the win. Lots of factors will enter into it but the Bruins will swim fast!

The Bruins placed 10th in the state tournament on Saturday, tying with their rivals, the Severna Park High School Falcons.