National Coaches Week

National Coaches Week is September 14-20 and we will be highlighting five coaches from the Swim Ontario community. It is a time to celebrate positive impact that coaches have on our athletes, sport and community. #ThanksCoach

By David Grossman

There is a lot to be said about instilling confidence in a world of change.

That goes for coaching, too.

Caleb Colling knows about creating a culture of learning, adapting and understanding.

That may have started as early as his toddler years of swim lessons or as time went on, by watching his favorite television show – the drama series, Hawaii Five-O.

Interested. Maybe the word is more like fascinated when the topic of policing caught his attention and Colling’s aspirations turned to law enforcement.

Grasping knowledge and experience in life, and having taken a break from post-secondary studies, Colling would go on to attend Brock University in St. Catharines. He earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Recreation and Leisure. But Colling had always tinkered with the goal of becoming a detective.

And so, it happened. His intrigue and enthusiasm led to getting the necessary credentials required to apply to the Ontario Police College. After graduating, and taking extra training, Colling went on to serve the community in Caledon. However, that journey in life was short lived as Colling took a different career path.

“It was different, but I found it really was not for me,” said Colling, who as a 14-year-old had signed up for a PEACE leadership program offered by the Halton Regional Police Service. “(The program) took more of a youth focus and offered students a chance to learn the different aspects what police do – forensics, tactical units, and more.”

Maybe it was the water portion of that television program of an elite task force fighting crime that caught his attention even more.

Colling, who had been a member of the Milton Marlins Swim Club since he was six years old, grew up in Carlisle (in the Greater Hamilton area) and had some experience as a swim coach. One thing was different. Colling felt an urge to return to the water - but not as an athlete.

In a telephone conversation with Colling, he repeatedly spoke about the impact several coaches had on him. Some of his stories date back to when he was learning the basics of competitive swimming.

“Encouragement and belief gave me the strength to keep going,” said Colling, who excelled in the breaststroke when he attended Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School - and won several medals at the Ontario high school swim championships.

“Every conversation gave me hope and words became the motivation I needed.”

Other scenarios dealt with a lasting impact that many coaches had on him when interactions and discussions focussed on perception, insight and appreciation for things people often take for granted.

“When I was a swimmer, there were coaches who had a huge positive impact on me,” said the 25-year-old, who has credentials under the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

“It was more than just inspiring and mentoring. We built a culture. The conversations and guidance helped me in many ways including developing my own coaching style.”

Colling didn’t hesitate taking time to single out the guidance and importance received from Brough, Whittaker and Bruce. It’s not a law firm, but three people he speaks highly about in his current job as a fulltime swim coach with the Marlins.

James Brough, who spent some 13 years in the Canadian swimming system, and formerly with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO). Meghan Whittaker is the Head Coach of the Marlins and chosen to a Swimming Canada Women in Coaching Development Program. Heather Bruce, as Grassroots Development Coordinator for Swim Ontario, works closely with clubs to enhance programming.

“Jamie advised me from the start, Heather welcomed me to coach a 12-and-under age group at a Swim Ontario camp and Meghan gave me an opportunity to coach the Marlins in 2024,” said Colling.

“I had been the guy who kept to himself. I struggled with confidence and was not the most social person. Now, when I walk on the pool deck, the confidence is there. I learned so much from them and know swimming is where I belong."

For the past three years, Colling has been developing athletes from grassroots to the provincial levels. His coaching philosophy is centred on long-term athlete development, technical precision, and creating a positive environment that builds both performance and confidence.

He has led training groups, highlighting leadership, communication and management skills, as well as assisted swimmers with their goals of achieving success at regional and provincial championships.

These days, his focus is helping about 50-junior level swimmers (ages 12-and-under) along with 20 swimmers in various high schools.

National Coaches Week in Ontario, an annual event, is set for September 14 to 20. It’s a time devoted for athletes to share a few words of appreciation to their coaches for the positive impact they have on them and throughout communities across the country.

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations. In 2026, he was inducted to the Toronto Sports Hall of Honour with a Lifetime Achievement Award.