A Great Man...

Most of our water polo family I'm sure have been informed of this by now, but we are all grieving the loss of Tom Coppinger who died suddenly over the holiday (Dec. 23).  Tom was the father of Trey Coppinger ('12 grad, who is pictured player on front page of this blog for the past year) and Carson Coppinger (8th grader at All Saints).  His passing was sudden, unexpected and devastating to the many who loved him and called him friend.  I have had the great pleasure of getting to know this man for the past four years.  He has been one of our most enthusiastic and ardent supporters of our water polo program that we have ever had.  He was the type of man that would light up a room and energize a pool deck.  I could always pick his cheering voice out of the crowd in every game.  He was that parent that would follow his boy and our team anywhere we had a game.  Didn't matter where we were playing, I knew Tom would be there, decked out in his Padre reds, cheering.  I have never had a water polo parent personally support and encourage me the way that Tom did.  Please keep the Tracy, Trey and Carson in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Coach Aaron Gaily

Here is the link to the obituary for Tom and information about his memorial service http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/montereyherald/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-charles-coppinger&pid=168884511