Clarks Summit native keeps Olympic dreams alive

 FROM THE CLARKS SUMMIT TIMES TRIBUNE - September 11, 2011

At the age of 40, most Olympic dreams are flaming out. For a Clarks Summit native, they are burning stronger than ever.

Former Scranton Prep swimmer Kathleen (Klein) Prindle, a 1989 grad, has started her own high performance aquatics club near her current home in Boca Raton, Fla.

"I've had two main mentors in my life," said Prindle, who with the late Michael Lohberg coached eight Olympians. "My grandmother, Jule Igoe, who taught me how to coach, and Michael. Both died of leukemia. It's a little strange, but it's a way for me to honor both, but more specifically Michael. And it's a chance to bring forth to the community everything I've been taught.

"I'm very excited about it."

Lohberg, who counted 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres among his pupils, died in April. That sparked Prindle to fan her own Olympic flame. She already had worked with Lohberg in developing eight Olympians, two world record-holders and one national record-holder. What better way to honor her own mentor.

"It was definitely the impetus for getting it going," Prindle said. "My dream wasn't to have my own team but to coach a select group of athletes. I didn't want an empire. I wanted a few high-functioning athletes.

"I'd still be with (Lohberg), but as it happens, it was an opportunity to spread my wings. He gave me the opportunity to coach and I need to give that back."

So Prindle, whose parents James and Elizabeth Klein still live in Clarks Summit, has launched Performance Aquatics Swim Club in South Florida, and already has 25-year-old Julie Stupp, a four-time Olympic Trials qualifier, in her stable.

"It's very humbling when you are around such high-functioning individuals," Prindle said. "It's really exciting. I think swimming, I just have passion for the sport. Swimming at any level is very exciting. Whether the goal is an Olympic medal or to make your age group team, when you can help people reach their goals, it's very fulfilling."