It is with deep sadness that RCST announces the passing of Coach K (Mike Kernodle), our beloved head coach, mentor, and friend.
His remarkable 40-year legacy of dedication to swimming and excellence will always be remembered.
Coach K was a unique coach who transformed countless lives in Rutherford County and beyond. He was an icon in the swimming community, and the depth of our loss is profound and impossible to express how many people this announcement will affect.
We can all envision him arriving early and leaving late, carrying his infamous index cards filled with swim workouts, adjusting the lane lines all by himself, dropping down on the pool deck and showing a kid the proper form of a push up (at 80 years old) and ensuring that everything was just right for all practices and competitions.
The LOVE he had for every swimmer was humbling to witness, and he saw greatness in each of them!! He could get swimmers to do things that NO ONE else could do just because the swimmers respected him so much!!
He instilled in the kids the importance of overcoming excuses and giving their best effort, no matter the circumstances. Together, we will persevere through this challenging time, doing our best to carry on the lessons Coach K imparted.
Even as our team grieves, Coach K taught us to face challenges head-on, and we are determined to honor his memory by pushing onward.
Please remember RCST, our extended swim family, and Coach K’s family in your thoughts and prayers. This will be a hard season to navigate, and the loss on the pool deck is enormous.
Arrangements are still pending; they can be found here: https://www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com/obituary/MichaelH-KernodleII
Kendra Randolph
RCST Board President
