After 27 Years, DeLong Retires as Foothill High’s Swim Coach

Tom DeLong said Tuesday that he is retiring after 27 years as swim coach at Foothill High School.

DeLong, who created one of the premier swim programs in the Southern Section, said he no longer enjoyed coaching and the time was right to step down.

He will remain at the school as a history teacher.

“I always said that when it stopped being fun, it would be time for me to leave,” DeLong said. “It’s just so hard to get the kids motivated and pay the price they have to pay to excel in this sport.”

The Foothill boys’ team had a record of 261-35-4 in dual meets during his 27 years. They won 102 consecutive dual meets from 1970-80.

The Knights won five Southern Section championships and 22 league titles under DeLong. They finished second in the section four times.

DeLong also coached the girls’ team from 1976-92, compiling a record of 175-15. The Foothill girls’ team finished second in the section four times and won 15 league titles.

In 1969, DeLong founded the Southern California Aquatic Team and developed many quality swimmers. He coached Rod Strachan, who won the gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley at the 1976 Olympics.

The Furniss brothers--Chip, Steve, Bruce and Craig--attended Foothill and went on to collegiate careers at USC. Bruce and Steve also competed in the Olympics.

“I’ve enjoyed all my years here,” DeLong said. “I had so many great kids swim for me that it made coaching fun.”