John Meyer and Eric Schweain announced their coaching retirements from softball and boys basketball, respectively, earlier this year.
Adam Starling, athletic director, is proud of our retiring coaches and the impact they’ve had on our programs.
“Schweain is somebody that has coached all the different seasons, and coached multiple different sports and really wants to step up when there is a need for a coach, to come in and help kids so that those programs could continue to move forward,” Starling said.
For now, Starling looks to fill their positions for the next softball and basketball season.
“The coach hiring process is very similar to the teacher hiring process,” Starling said.
The process is initiated with a letter of resignation from the athletic director to the Rockwood Human Resources Department and then, the applications flow.
John Meyer, softball
Aubrey Watson, junior, met Meyer during her freshman year on the softball field.
“It’s sad to know that the coach I’ve had by my side throughout all my years of playing in high school won’t be there to finish it out with me,” Watson said. “I’ve developed such a strong relationship with him and we know each other’s lingo and how to communicate what’s best for the team.”
Meyer will continue to coach baseball next year. Watson said Meyer emphasized all parts of the student-athlete.
“He pushes all of his athletes to be the best version of themselves on and off the field. I can go to him when I need help with anything,” Watson said.
Meyer led the softball team to three district titles and two Final Four appearances during his time as a coach.
“I tried to be authentic and honest. If I did that, I felt like the players could trust me. I was willing to have difficult conversations, give the players a voice, and not let players settle for less,” Meyer said. “It takes a lot of empathy and looking through the players’ eyes. I told the team more than once that being around them was the best part of my school day.”
This year also concludes Meyer’s career as a business teacher.
“I am a very proud Marquette Mustang, and it has been a privilege to teach and coach so many talented student-athletes,” Meyer said. “It is not easy, but if you respond to the challenges and compete, you will have a chance to be successful.”
Eric Schweain, boys basketball
Since his first season as head coach in 2017, Schweain led the program to two District Titles and one Conference Title as a two-time District Coach of the Year and Conference Coach of the Year.
Schweain has been a part of the MHS community for more than two decades as a teacher, coach and parent. He is now teaching at Priory High School but said Rockwood will always have a special piece of his heart.
“All of education is about relationships. I was lucky to have a strong support with my students and work alongside some amazing colleagues,” Schweain said. “I cherish the 29 years I worked at Rockwood.”
Derek Hoffman, assistant varsity boys basketball coach, has recorded 24 seasons on staff, many of those spent at Schweain’s side.
“Coach Schweain has an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. He could balance that with a very competitive personality. I don’t think a lot of people can do that,” Hoffman said.
“It [MHS] has become an extension of his family. He spent many early mornings and late nights trying to do what is best for this school and for the basketball program,” Hoffman said.
When recalling his many memories with Schweain, Hoffman said there’s one that stands out: Schweain told his 2012 team in the middle of a slump that he had no doubt they’d make it to the Final Four, and they did.
