Knowledge is a Burden : Speakers & Interviews

How many times can he abuse childrens dreams? He is an evil "no good nick" Why do people allow this farce to be perpetrated on innocent children? Why allow him to continue? Where is USA swimming regulating this type of behavior. USA swimming needs to step up and start an investigation to mantain thier integrity. Ban his so sorrow actions. Get him out of coaching once and for all. Protect Parents and children. USA swimming wake up!! You are condoning this behavior. Why pay you fees if you have no regulatory power. Warn people and take action. He has burned far too many children and it is a form of mental and emotional abuse.

the moms ran the team down along with Coach Benner because he was able to get the two moms to do whatever he said and do whatever they want even if it was the worst thing possible for the team and i agree he is a good coach he just has a lot of things he needs to change to make him a even better coach

Coach Rick Benner is the very best of what a coach should be. SST was run into the ground by a group of unhappy women that didn't want a competitive swim team because their kids didn't have any talent and didn't want to work. Actually the kid's moms didn't want to work either, they just wanted to be on, "the board". If they had ever let Coach Benner do what he was hired to do SST would still be a thriving team. It is very sad that people who don't have any talent or personality so viciously attack the people who do.

Oak 45 I like the idea of sending these to the Virginia team (QDD) maybe you should do it or we should have someone here do it so this doesnt happen to them...

Rick Benner coached at least two teams in Florida before arriving in Savannah. The first was Highland Prep...I believe those parents were the ones that sent warning letters to Savannah Swim Team parents once it was announced that Rick Benner had been hired. I would be very nice if the members of the Virginia team (QDD) took a look at all these messages so they know what their team is in for. Rick Benner will never change his ways 'cause he doesn't see that he does anything wrong.

I see what you are saying what happened to both those teams is a very sad thing and very unfortunate that it happened hopefully the team in Virginia will realize it before it happens to them

Just a little over 1 year is usually what it takes for the team, board & parents to see the dictator behind the (sitting on a chair) coach. Of course there are still a few who thinks he walks on water. They just let him take their kids with him when he moves with the promise he will make them olympians. Good luck to the team in Virginia hopefully you won't let him do what he has done to the last 2 teams (YMCA Team Orlando & Savannah Swim Team) he coached. They had to start all over again after he ran them into the ground.

the dictator is headed to Virginia so one more state down anyone want to take some bets on how long he will last there

HHMM Let's see...Rick Benner = 4 teams in 4 different states in 6 years. Yeah, he's a real gem. Only 46 more States left to go there Rick...Keep up the good work.

The Dictator was brought to coach a thriving team in Nowhere, GA. He wowed almost everyone the first 9 months or so. After that, if you did not agree with him 100% you were attacked verbally or by e-mails or completely shunned. He had two women (mothers on the team) who literally did anything he asked (whether it was ethical or not). These three people brough about the almost total demise of a powerhouse team in Nowhere, GA. It's sad to see what he and his cohorts can destroy. Way to go Megan for switching coaches!!! You definitely are more of a success without him!

Benner, lets see smoke=fire. It adds up when you ask the questions of why so many moves,controversy,control,anger,terminations and temper tantrums.
Why and what is the single common element? Either you drink the cool aid or you are dead. Or are you dead when you dring the cool aid? Savannah can tell all of us the truth. Let's ask them.

Actually, The Dictators contract was not renewed with that team from Nowhere(Savannah, GA) for the same reason his contracts never get renewed.

I think the reference is to Florida Gator, Jamie Reid, NCAA All-American.

Whose Jamie? Who cares how many swimmers Benner sent to Juniors. Was he giving rides to the girls to practice? THAT'S CREEPY.

Perhaps Maple 75 should ask the 20 or so swimmers that have left Benner's program in Nowhere, GA (since January) what they think of their former coach. I don't believe those swimmers would back Coach Benner 100%.

I heard that Benner used to give Jendrick, and other swimmers, rides to practice. He just sent three swimmers from Nowhere, GA to Juniors. Ask Jamie what she thinks of her former coach. She never made an Olympic team. If anyone had a right to complain, it would be her. She will back Coach Benner 100%

Yes, along with Megan's new coach she is a much more dedicated swimmer who is making her dreams and goals a reality. Good Luck Megan!

You have to admit his style and method of coaching works, producing sucessful swimmers. Especially for those who are truely dedicated to making their dreams and goals reality.

Benner's contract was not renewed because sitting in a chair on the deck does not make a good coach and he could not play well with the board on that team

Does any one know why Megan's former coach Rick Benner left Orlando.

go girl!

Having observed Megan's former coach, and the method he not only coaches with but how he runs a swim team, her reference "Dictator" is correct.

His swimmers are improving at an unprecedented rate. I think it is unwise to give a label because you disagree with a style. Maybe the athlete is a whiner. I am not believing that to be true of Jendrick, but isn't it the same mentality?

Isn't Rick Benner now dictating swimmers in the South?

She went a 59 in practice?! Are you serious

She is freaking HOTT... and she could probably bench press me. :

damn she's jacked

Somebody help me out here ...who (coach) was she swimming with in 2000 ? I know she was with Puyallup Aquatics, but who was coaching. Thanks.