A Beloved Swim Coach is Remembered
By Maura Teynor
March 27, 2019
Jim and Nancy Shoenfelt along with a group of family and friends recently established the Steve Shoenfelt Memorial Scholarship Fund. Steve was Jim and Nancy's son who passed away unexpectedly last November.
Steve's passion for swimming and people made him a truly great swim coach. He influenced many people in a positive way and helped many reach a potential they didn't realize they had.
According to his family, Steve had a huge appetite for life. You would find him in front row seats at a Bruce Springsteen concert, a dive bar listening to a new band, a week-long outdoor concert or watching a high school marching band performance. Food was also a passion; he would order the most unique item on the menu whether at a food truck or a five-star restaurant.
Two scholarships, in Steve's name, will be awarded by an independent committee each February. The criteria for the scholarships include a 2.8-grade point average, a minimum of three years as a high school swimmer and age group experience in USA or YMCA. The scholarship applicants will write an essay about their favorite band/concert or their favorite meal/food.
In 1986, Steve founded the Mansfield Waves Swim Team and coached about 150 kids each year. He also coached at Hudson High School, Dublin Community Center, Massillon Perry High School, Clear Fork Swim Club, and most recently head swim coach at Mansfield Senior High School. In the last few years of his life, Steve was dedicated to another passion - helping people cope with mental and emotional struggles. As a registered nurse in The Behavioral Unit at OhioHealth Hospital in Mansfield, Steve most favored his work with adolescents. He also had a way with words and understood the value of encouraging others, writing uplifting letters to family and friends.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Steve Shoenfelt Memorial Scholarship Fund go to richlandcountyfoundation.org and click the donate button, click the fund option and select Steve Shoenfelt, or write a check to the Richland County Foundation and note the fund on the memo line.
