By Casey O'Connor
The Stanthorpe Swimming community came together on Sunday morning to show their appreciation to Michael and Gail Smail who have been the long term leasee of the Stanthorpe Pool since 1999.
Their tenure at the pool is fast coming to an end and they have chosen not to apply to renew their lease.
Gail has brought a very professional level of coaching to the Stanthorpe Swimming club.
The success of champion Queensland and Australian swimmer Ben Armbruster, who Gail coached and mentored from a very young age, represents one of her most rewarding coaching experiences. However, Gail is very proud to have taught an untold number of kids to swim over the years, something that is equally as important and very satisfying.
While Gail and Michael will no longer be at the Stanthorpe Pool after the close of the season, they will not be lost to the community.
On Sunday morning there were speeches, flowers and a very large cake as many people who have been touched by the popular couple paid tribute to their work.
Later this week I will be sitting down with Gail and Michael as they look back over their tenure at the Stanthorpe Swimming Pool. Look for that article in next week’s paper.
