Remembering Head Coach John Carle
August 26, 1946 - January 1, 2026
Remembering Head Coach John Carle
August 26, 1946 - January 1, 2026
Coach Carle passed away suddenly on January 1. Coach Carle was a life long Maine West Warrior. After graduating from West in 1965, Coach Carle would return to spend 33 years coaching at West.
During his 33 years as a swim coach, he served as head boys coach for 22 years, head girls coach for 22 years, assistant boys coach for 11 years, and assistant girls coach for 11 years. He has coached beginners to All-State to All-American swimmers.
For his years and excellence in coaching to the sport and its athletes, Coach Carle was inducted to the John Newman Illinois Swimming Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2005, was named National Federation Swimming Coach of the Year. For his 66 seasons and 33 years of service and for the success he has had in the water, he was inducted into the Maine West Coach’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
Over the course of 66 combined seasons as head and assistant coach for both the boys' and girls' teams, he guided athletes ranging from beginners to All-Americans. But his influence went far beyond competition; John managed the Des Plaines Park District aquatics programs, served as a dedicated Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout, and volunteered extensively with the Special Olympics and the Red Cross.
Whether he was sailing on Lake Michigan or training lifeguards, water was truly his second home. Today, we honor Coach Carle not just for his titles, but for the decades of mentorship and passion he poured into this sport and its athletes. Thank you, Coach, for your legacy."
Maine West Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee - 2008