By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

There’s a link on the Burnsville High School (BHS) girls swimming Web site that asks “How good is Marshall?”

Click on it and it takes you to years of success that Jeff Marshall has had as coach of the Blaze program – 11 seasons worth.

However, there will be no 12th season for Marshall as coach of both the girls’ and boys’ programs. He recently stepped down because he said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Marshall’s impact on both programs is far-reaching.

“Marshall was more than just an incredible coach that led both the boys’ and girls’ teams to the top,” said Rachael Kraemer, a 2004 BHS graduate. “He was also a wonderful counselor, pseudo-dad and friend. I cannot count the number of times I have gone to him for advice not only about what was going on in the pool, but also about my life in general, a role he has continued with me even after graduation. Marshall has left some big shoes to fill on the Blaze pool deck.”

In Marshall’s final season with both teams, he led the girls to a third straight Lake Conference title, the Section 3AA championship and a runner-up finish at the state meet.

Meanwhile, the boys team won a second straight conference title, a section crown and took third at state.

In Marshall’s 11 years, he won two state titles – one with the girls in 2002 and one with the boys in 2007. In total, he won one state true team championship (boys), six conference titles and five conference crowns between the two programs. He’s also been named Minnesota Swim Coach of the Year three times.

“Jeff has been a great coach for both of my kids for the past nine years,” said Mike Tierney. “The Blaze swimming community will miss him greatly. Not many coaches can win two state championships and finish in the top 10 frequently, all with no diving team. Jeff is a smart, tough coach and he will be missed by the kids, parents, alumni and fans.”

Tierney’s son, Paul, a senior, was recently named the Class AA Minnesota Swimmer of the Year after winning two state titles (the 100- and 200-yard freestyles) at state last March.

Meanwhile, Kraemer’s younger sister, Kerry, was also a Minnesota Swimmer of the Year winner. Kerry is the only swimmer in Minnesota State High School League history to ever win five state titles in one event. She did so in the 100 breaststroke from 2002 to 2006.

Kerry and Rachael are both swimming at the Division I level at Stanford University and Florida Southern, respectively. Paul Tierney will swim at Minnesota next fall.

“Marshall was one of those coaches who celebrated every victory a swimmer ever had,” said Kerry. “Whether it was a good set in practice, finishing a race without being disqualified or winning a state title, he didn’t focus on the fastest swimmers, but emphasized that every win (individual or team) was a team effort.

“Marshall has been one of the biggest influences in my life thus far,” added Kerry. “When college decisions were stressing me out, his office was the first place I ran to cry. He is a good part of the reason I ended up at Stanford and now that I’m here, I continue to email him and call him to bore him with all my new stories because I know he will listen, and I trust whatever he tells me.”

Marshall would be the first to tell you he’s been blessed with some top-notch talent over the years. He’s had numerous swimmers in 11 seasons go on to Division I programs, including three this past season.

Senior Kelly Fowler is off to Clemson and senior Kristin Manias will swim at Illinois next fall.

Rachael Kraemer said Marshall had the ability to get the most out of anyone’s abilities, along with being able to connect with his swimmers.

“He was someone who made the sport I love, so much fun,” said Rachael. “Even when he was dishing out the hardest, most terrifying practices, he managed to either make it an interesting challenge, motivate you to be better than the best swimmer you could be. Or, when all else failed, he would tell a stupid joke, act like a complete idiot or break out in song and dance.”

 Eden Prairie coach Dan Tripps said Marshall will also be missed among his coaching peers. The Eagles and Blaze have had some memorable battles over the years at the top of the conference in both programs.

“I not only enjoyed watching Burnsville’s programs continue to be excellent over the years under his direction, but I enjoyed competing against them under his direction,” said Tripp.

Eastview coach Mark Tollefson called Marshall and honorable colleague, who will be missed.

“He always brought a sense of competence to the deck that always helped his teams reach their best,” said Tollefson. “I will miss him and I’m sure the Burnsville swim community and the Minnesota swim community will miss greatly.”

A replacement for Marshall is expected to be named early in the summer.