Throughout his life, meet day for Tim Mee has featured plenty of excitement. These days it also comes with a certain amount of anxiety.
“It can be a real challenge,” said Mee, who swam scholastically at Rush-Henrietta and is currently the head coach of the York boys and Livonia girls swimming teams. “Sometimes I will have my lineup set but then you get some kids who are out sick and then you have to reshuffle some things.”
Just don’t expect Mee to run from the challenge. His results prove he knows how to win, no matter the situation.
Mee will look to get York over the sectional hump next month at the Section 5 Class D championship meet. The Knights have finished in second place the last three seasons.
“I think we are on the top of our game right now,” Mee said. “Two or three meets ago we had 15 best times. The kids are not just peaking, they are also really hungry and ready. The kids have worked hard and are really dedicated.”
Mee started coaching at York eight years ago. He thinks this year’s team has closed the gap on perennial Section 5 power Alfred-Almond, who held off the Knights by 28 points in last year’s Class D finals.
Unlike most of their rivals, the Knights roster features 10 girls who compete alongside the boys. Mee has made sure to use this to his advantage, as they girls train right alongside the boys.
Mee was well prepared for the challenges of coaching at a small school. His children went to Honeoye Falls-Lima when the Cougars competed in the Livingston County league, so he got to see how small school programs compete in Section 5.
“He connects with the kids so well,” said Martha Martin, the York athletic director. “When we do have meets, he gives special attention to kids. He is always calm and he has a great approach when he is working with kids.”
Mee swam for legendary R-H head coach Dick Young and was a member of the school’s only Monroe County Championship team his senior year. Along with Young, Mee credits former Pittsford coaches Fred Rockow and Marty Keating as having the biggest influence on him as a coach.
Mee was an outstanding all-around swimmer and held the school record in the 200 freestyle. He achieved personal history his freshman season when he was the first ninth grader chosen for the varsity team.
