Coach John Book

John Book, Elder Class of 1980, was a four-year swimmer for the Panthers and he made it to the state meet on a relay as a senior. Upon graduating from Elder, he attended the University of Cincinnati where he studied business and swam two seasons for the Bearcats. After graduating from UC, he was offered the position as Elder’s varsity swimming coach – his first and only head coaching job. John met his wife Kari while swimming together at UC. They raised 3 children together – Ryan, Elder Class of 2006, Matthew '08 and Andrea. While coaching at Elder, John also worked as the Parts Manager at Fuller Ford and after 31 years of coaching in 2015, he stepped away from his “dream come true” job as head coach though he still helps out at from time to time to stay involved. A scholarship was created in Coach Book's name at the time of his retirement.