Rannebarger to coach Glacier, Flathead swim

Brandon Rannebarger has been named the head swim coach of the Glacier and Flathead high school boys' and girls' programs.

Rannebarger, an assistant for the past year with the two schools, replaces Paul Stelter.

Stelter announced before the season that he would step down after the state meet in February.

"Paul has coached a number of state championship teams and individuals," Glacier activities director Mark Dennehy stated in a press release.

"Paul took both high schools through the transition from one high school to two without missing a beat. Athletes within his program worked extremely well together and that can be attributed to Paul's approach."

Glacier had 14 swimmers competing in its first season while Flathead had 10.

"We are very fortunate to have our high school head coach lead both our program and the KATS program," Dennehy said.

"Brandon transfers his strong work ethic to his swimmers on a daily basis."

Rannebarger, 29, has been the head coach of the KATS since September. He moved to Montana from Columbus, Ohio.

Rannebarger graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan in 2001. He was a two-time team captain and conference swim champion.

He swam his first two collegiate seasons at Gannon University in Erie, Pa., where he was a conference champion in the butterfly and freestyle.

"I think it will be nice, unique," Rannebarger said of coaching Glacier, Flathead and the KATS.

"Hopefully with that, there will be better swimming here,"

Rannebarger coached four state champions with the KATS this season.

He said he plans to work hard at increasing the swim numbers at both high schools.

"I'll go after those athletes (cut from other sports), try and get them in the water," Rannebarger said.

"See how they do."

Rannebarger wants his swimmers to enjoy practices and competition. He will also stress out of pool activities such as team hikes, swimming Flathead Lake and community service projects to develop camaraderie.

Stelter has been a head varsity swim coach for 18 seasons. He has been coaching high school and KATS for 25 years.

Flathead won seven state championships (six girls and one boys) under his watch.

"Each team was so different," Stelter said.

"As I got older, I saw them more as people than as athletes."

This marks the third time Stelter has retired as head coach at the high school level.

"The key to my coaching success is based on the philosophy that if you love what you do, you will do good at it. The kids enjoyed doing it, that's why they were so successful."

Stelter is one of eight finalists for the National High School Coaching Association Swim Coach of the Year Award. He's been nominated several times.

"It's very, very special," Stelter said of the award.

"It's quite an honor to be a finalist."