Remembering Bergen Sharks Coach

Bergen Sharks head swimming coach Robert "RJ" Anderson was more than an instructor for many. He went above and beyond for his young swimmers, according to those who knew him, and will be greatly missed.

Anderson was head coach to the Bergen Sharks at the in Washington Township for two years, according to YJCC Health and Wellness Director Isaak Gorelov. He was running the first of the group's swim camps at the YJCC when he experienced a stroke. He died Aug. 16 at the age of 50.

Those who knew him were shocked and saddened by the sudden loss.

"He was a mentor, a friend, compassionate and loved by all. He instilled so many wonderful qualities to every child he taught," said Natalie Boes of Westwood whose 11-year-old daughter Brooke is on the team. "It is a tremendous loss to the Sharks community."

To help cope with the loss, Gorelov said grief counselors from The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood came to the YJCC to speak with children, parents and coaches. A session held last Thursday was very well attended, Gorelov said. He added that additional sessions may be necessary when the season starts.

Gorelov called Anderson "a dream coach." Because of his positive interactions with swimmers, Gorelov said Anderson was able to almost double the size of the team in his two-year tenure and improve their times.

Gorelov said the team plans to dedicate the season to Anderson and continue fund-raising efforts for an electronic score board. Anderson was working to acquire the score board before his untimely death.

"We're hoping to raise enough funds to get the whole package," Gorelov said.

In an online obituary, Anderson's family requested donations be made to the Bergen Sharks. Gorelov said donations should be made to the YJCC with Bergen Sharks in subject line and the money will go to fund the score board he wanted.

The team is also considering having a memorial meet in Anderson's honor. Gorelov explained that a facility in Wayne that used to be a JCC is now a YMCA so the Bergen Sharks lost one meet. He said the Sharks may try to replace the lost meet with a memorial one honoring Anderson.

Viewing the online guest book remembering Anderson, it's clear he touched the lives of many, from different states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Arizona and Colorado.

Boes said her daughter is extremely upset by the loss.

"He gave her so much confidence with his coaching that she excelled during her summer league," she said. "Once in a lifetime you come across someone who made a difference in your life and in your child's life and he is that person. I know the parents and the kids will make sure that we swim just as great and even better for RJ."

Gorelov said the Sharks' camp continued this week without its head coach. He wasn't at liberty to say who would lead the team going forward, but that the organization was nearing the end of the interview process and would hopefully know next week.