Nearly Three Decades of Showing Up
My husband, Brian “Sponge” Savage, has been part of the Bath Area Family YMCA since the late 1990’s. Nearly three decades of commitment to one community, one mission, and generations of kids who have grown up under his steady presence.
The Long Reach Swim Club became something extraordinary under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Jay Morissette. With an incredible staff and relentless athletes, LRSC became a dynasty. Thirty-five consecutive Maine YMCA State Championships. Thirty-five years of excellence that did not bend when pressure came.
For many years, Sponge has been a part of this. He was never chasing attention. He was building culture, reinforcing standards, and helping shape young athletes long before anyone was talking about transition.
When Leadership Was Required
Last season, Jay retired. It was earned and deserved, but it left a pivotal moment. A dynasty is not just about trophies, it’s about continuity. It’s about culture. And culture can feel fragile when leadership shifts.
They were not able to secure a head coach immediately. The season was approaching and the swimmers were ready. Families were counting on stability.
So Sponge stepped in.
He didn’t step in for recognition. He stepped in because the kids deserved consistency. He stepped in because the program mattered more than convenience. He stepped in because protecting something meaningful sometimes requires quiet courage.
Two Full-Time Roles, One Relentless Commitment
Since the fall, he has worked two full-time roles within the YMCA. Two sets of responsibilities. Two calendars filled beyond what feels reasonable.
I watched him carry it all. I watched him come home exhausted and still sit down to think through relays, lineups, and how to position swimmers for success. I watched him care about more than points. He cared about confidence. He cared about character. He cared about whether each swimmer felt seen and supported.
He wasn’t just keeping a seat warm. He was leading.
A Family Effort on the Pool Deck
What made this season even more meaningful is that it became a family effort.
Our oldest son, Anders, came home from college to assist during the championship meet. Watching him step back onto that pool deck, not as a swimmer this time but as support for his father and the team, was deeply emotional for me. It felt like legacy coming full circle.
Our middle son, Wylder, coached alongside Sponge all season as an assistant. He showed up to practices. He invested in younger swimmers. He encouraged kids of all ages, from the smallest beginners to the seniors chasing their final state swims. He also competed himself and swam strong races at states. I was so proud of the way he balanced competing with leadership, cheering for teammates immediately after finishing his own events.
And then there was Aaiko. She took first place in two races and second place in another at states. Watching that happen under Sponge’s leadership made the entire weekend even more special. It was not just about times or hardware. It was about effort, heart, and stepping up when it mattered.
Standing there and seeing our family woven into every layer of that program filled me with pride I can barely explain.
A Weekend That Meant Everything
From Friday night through Sunday at the Maine YMCA State Swimming Championships, Sponge was on his feet for hours. State meets are intense. They are loud. They require constant attention and emotional steadiness.
He steadied nerves before swimmers stepped onto the blocks. He adjusted strategy in real time. He celebrated personal bests. He lifted chins after tough swims. He coached with intensity and heart.
When the final scores were tallied, the Long Reach Swim Club had done it again.
Thirty-six consecutive state championships.
In a transition year. Under new leadership. With the weight of 35 banners pressing down on every relay exchange.
The streak did not break.
Coach of the Year
Then came the moment that made my heart swell even more.
Sponge was named Coach of the Year.
If you know him, you know he doesn’t seek awards. Recognition makes him slightly uncomfortable. But this honor was earned.
It was earned in early mornings and late nights. It was earned in months of carrying two full-time roles. It was earned in the way he honored what Jay built instead of trying to reshape it for ego.
He protected a dynasty. He strengthened it.
And I could not have been more proud watching that moment unfold.
Why I Am So Proud
I am proud of the championship. I am proud of the award. But more than anything, I am proud of the man.
I am proud of his integrity and his endurance. I am proud of the way he shows up when it would be easier to step back. I am proud of the example he sets for our children and for every swimmer who looks to him for guidance.
This season wasn’t just about keeping a streak alive. It was about demonstrating what real leadership looks like.
Leadership looks like stepping forward when no one else can. Leadership looks like working twice as hard, so others don’t feel instability. Leadership looks like building up young people and believing in them fully.
Brian “Sponge” Savage didn’t just win a championship. He carried a legacy forward. He led with humility. He showed our children what strength and service truly look like.
That is what a true Motivated Savage does.
And I have never been more proud to call him my husband.
Share this:
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wow, what a beautiful and inspiring legacy Jody. Massive respect and kudos to Brian, and hats off to you for writing another incredible piece 🥰🥰
Thank you so much! I am just so proud of him!
You are welcome 🤗🤗, it’s the least I could do — proud is definitely the word and I couldn’t be happier to know how proud you are of him; I continue to wish the best for you and your loved ones 😇🙏💙