Richard Guyer, who spent 44 seasons as the head coach at York Suburban High School and another 8 with the program, died from heart failure on October 22 after a few weeks of declining health. He was 77 years old.
Guyer was one of the most successful coaches in Central Pennsylvania high school history, winning 19 District 3 team titles, coaching 23 individual state champions, 101 individual district champions, 166 all-state swimmers, 68 All-American swimmers, and over 800 dual meet victories between the boys’ and girls’ programs.
But the records and the accolades are not what stood out to Craig Brennan, who succeeded Guyer as the program’s head coach in 2009 and then handed the reigns back in 2018.
“Most of all, he was one of the kindest, caring coaches you could ever wish for,” Brennan said. “He challenged you to do the hard work in swimming because life is hard, and this will prepare you for it. He created a culture of family, where everything you did was towards helping the team succeed. And challenged you to be your best day in and day out.”
Brennan swam for Guyer from the time he was 8 years old and through high school. In 2009, Brennan took over from Guyer, not knowing that his former coach was battling disease.
“The illness waged terrible war on his body. But he fought it with is, “I think I can…I think I can” mentality. His wife told me last week when visiting Coach Guyer that when he was at the hospital at University of Penn, there were 13 patients who were going through what Coach Guyer was going through…Coach Guyer was the only one who survived.”
After Guyer’s recovery, he began volunteering at York Suburban High School again, returned as Brennan’s assistant, and then resumed head coaching duties from 2018 through 2021.
“He parted the sea for all of us,” former Dallastown swimming coach Rich Howley said Monday. “He garnered quite a bit of respect and that really helped elevate a sport that doesn’t get the same amount of attention as something like football.”
Guyer is a member of the Pennsylvania Aquatics Hall of Fame and a recipient of the NISCA Outstanding Service Award.
He began at York Suburban in the 1968-1969 season and later founded the Trojan Aquatic Club at the York Suburban School District in 1987, where he was the head coach.
A photo of the yearbook page from Guyer’s first season as York Suburban’s head coach in the 1968-1969 season
Guyer is survived, among others, by his granddaughter Sophia Guyer, who swam collegiately at Butler University.
His fellow coaches and former athletes also recalled his bellowing voice that you could hear “even in a crowded pool of hundreds.”
“He was the true definition of what a great coach should be….a mentor, role model, and to me, a hero,” Brennan said. “Someone who inspires you and challenges you to be better than what you ever thought you could be.
A visitation for Guyer will be held on November 4 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Fourth United Methodist Church in York with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 1 PM.
His family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a memorial donations are made to an account that was opened in his name. Checks can be written to and sent to:
Edward Jones FBO Richard A Guyer Memorial Scholarship Fund
528 Greenbriar Rd
Suite B
York, PA 17404-1335
(717) 764-2725
One of the best that was ever on deck! Everyone could take a page from his book. Condolences to his family and friends. May you find comfort from one another at this time. His memory and legacy will continue on as a great coach here in the York area that others will struggle to emulate.
May he rest in peace. 💗
Coach Guyer was a steady presence in York County ever since my days in the club scene. He was a rival to us, but raised the presence and caliber of swimming the region over the past 40+ years. Rest in peace, and grace and peace to his family and loved ones.