Cross Gates Family Fitness Center dedicated its pool to longtime Hurricane Swim Club coach Chris Prator on June 6, marking a significant milestone in his final coaching season. The pool dedication was attended by families and alumni, coinciding with the announcement of his and his wife Shannon's retirement from the team after 30 years of coaching. Since joining in 2008, Prator has led the club to impressive state performance, with five Top Five placements for the 15-and-over group and eight state runner-up spots for younger swimmers. Daniel Zielinski will take over as head coach, while Prator continues his role at Tchefuncte Country Club. The couple plans to spend their retirement visiting family and enjoying leisure time after a long and successful coaching career.

By the Numbers
  • Prator coached the Hurricane Swim Club for 40 years, including 15 years as head coach.
  • Hurricane Swim Club achieved five consecutive Top Five finishes and eight straight runner-up finishes at state meets since Prator's tenure began in 2008.
State of Play
  • The pool is now dedicated as the Christopher S. Prator Competition Pool.
  • Prator will remain as Aquatics Director at Tchefuncte Country Club post-retirement.
What's Next

As the Prators transition out of coaching, they will shift their focus to traveling and spending time with family. Future developments include the new coach, Daniel Zielinski, implementing his approach with the team. The legacy of the Prators will continue to influence the swimmers and coaching culture at the Hurricane Swim Club.

Bottom Line

The dedication of the pool honors Chris and Shannon Prator鈥檚 significant contributions to competitive swimming in Louisiana. Their retirement symbolizes a major change for the Hurricane Swim Club, while their lasting impact on the sport and its athletes will resonate for years to come.