By John Naughton
Des Moines Register

Mark Wagner, who led Des Moines Valley (IA) swimming teams for more than 30 seasons, has resigned to coach at Simpson College in Indianola.

Wagner's Valley legacy since arriving in 1967: two girls' and one boys' state titles, developing an Olympic gold medalist and earning dozens of state individual and relay champions.

He spent his first morning as Simpson's women's swimming coach on Wednesday. Then he golfed during the afternoon. That's the benefit of retirement for the 61-year-old. He left teaching in 2003 and now embarks on a new career at an NCAA Division III program.

"The opportunity had never presented itself before," Wagner said. "It was something that economically didn't make sense before. All of a sudden it makes sense, now that I'm retired."

Wagner will replace Mark Corley, who resigned after five seasons, citing the time commitment associated with the job.

Simpson will soon hear Wagner's bark - a loud, seal-like hoot used to rally swimmers - echoing through the pool.

Wagner won state girls' team titles at Valley in 1974 and '75 and a boys' crown in 1984. One of his best swimmers was Craig Oppel, who went on to become an Olympic relay champion in 1988. Oppel swam to a national record in the 200-yard freestyle in 1985, and his time in that event remains the oldest state boys' meet mark.>

He began coaching after graduating from Drake. Since then, he's led generations of athletes. His departure leaves Valley with openings for both boys' and girls' swimming coaches. Wagner led the boys to a third-place finish this season; Josh Mathias coached the girls to a state championship and resigned last month, citing family reasons.

Wagner said farewell to his boys' team in an emotional ceremony Tuesday.

"That was probably the toughest thing I've had to do professionally," Wagner said.

Although Oppel was his most famous swimmer, Wagner said he was extremely proud of the kids who entered the program with no swimming experience and left as state qualifiers.

This article is reprinted with permission of and copyright the Des Moines Register