A visit with WPIAL champion coach Bill Kennedy


Background Info: Bill Kennedy was a girls swimming coach at Bethel Park for 36 years, including 22 as head coach. He began coaching and teaching physical education at Bethel Park in 1978. His first season as head coach was 1991. He served as an assistant to James Sprandle for 14 years then followed in his footsteps by taking over as head coach. The Black Hawks won seven WPIAL titles (1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) and two PIAA titles (1999 and 2000). They also placed second in the PIAA twice (2006 & 2007). Under Kennedy, Bethel Park had a record of 270-45 in dual meets. Kennedy is a graduate of Baldwin High School and the University of Pittsburgh

How Bill Kennedy got into coaching swimming.
"I didn't swim in high school or college, but I was always into water stuff. While in college, I became friends with Pitt swim coach Dick Bradshaw. When he saw I had an interest in the sport, he let me help with his classes. When I graduated, I helped with Bethel Park's program for one year before being hired as Jim Sprandle's assistant."

Bill Kennedy's WPIAL experience.
"I loved every minute of my WPIAL experiences. My favorite meet was always the WPIAL meet. There's a lot of pride in winning a WPIAL title, individual or team. It's so rewarding to see individuals work so hard toward reaching the goal of winning a WPIAL title. I worked with many of those kids from middle school up. That's six to seven years. They were so dedicated to the sport. We had morning practices three days a week for an hour. Our normal practice after school was two hours, every day. The kids also lifted weights three days a week after practice.

Bill Kennedy's PIAA experience.
Winning WPIAL titles is a great accomplishment, but winning a state title is even more rewarding. It's great to watch and play a part in a swimmers development. I remember when Jen Fraas swam for us. She was the slowest girl on the team when she started. She graduated with four PIAA titles."

Bill Kennedy's thoughts on Bethel Park coaches Jim Sprandle (girls) and Pat Campbell (boys).
"I learned everything about coaching from Jim Sprandle and Pat Campbell. They are two of the most successful coaches in WPIAL history. Both won at least 10 WPIAL titles. I couldn't have asked for better mentors."