This summer, former Dr. Phillips Hall of Fame Swimming and Diving coach Bruce Follensbee received arguably the most prestigious award of his long and storied career when he was named the National Coach of the Year for 2011-2012 by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. Follensbee, who led the Panthers to six State Championships, two State Runner-Up finishes, 16 District Championships and 16 Metro Conference titles, was the Region 3 (Southeast) Coach of the Year among nine finalists nationally. At the July NHSACA annual convention in Fargo, North Dakota, Follensbee capped an exemplary coaching career with the organization’s highest honor.
Dr. Phillips Administrative Dean and former Athletic Director John Magrino said, “For 24 years, Coach Follensbee built and oversaw a dynasty at DP, coaching dozens of swimmers to post-season accolades and college scholarships while compiling an astounding dual meet record of 280-37-2. Above all else, he placed a premium on sportsmanship and pride in Dr.Phillips High School.”
