Show freshest results first

Riptide Riverhead High School Riverhead, NY

Issue Date: Thursday, March 01, 2012 Issue: Spring 2012 Last Update: Friday, April 20, 2012

Live Conditions from Riverhead, NY - USA

	Rain Showers
	Temperature: 64 °F
	Wind Speed: 7 mph E
	Gusts: 18 mph SE
	Rain Today: N/A "

Get a free sms student response system at Poll Everywhere

Riverhead High School's Official Newspaper

At-a-glance

Embed Article Print Article Share Article Short URL for Sharing

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 By Martin Faint

Coaches Al Borghard and Jennifer Galami, with New York State Championships Senior Double crown winners: Dylan Gould (L) and Ed O’Neil (R). Pictured in 2009. - Sandy Kolbo

Advertising

Remembering Coach Al

It was a day of tears, a day of laughter and a day to take joy in a life well lived.

With the passing of Al Borghard on Tuesday, the crew team gathered in Mr Hugelmeyer’s office second period and took in the news. No one expected to stay in that cramped room the whole day; but as shocked silence gave way to tears, and then a rich trove of stories, that is just what happened.

And as the hours passed, and the stories of Coach Al amassed, the room came to life with memories of a man who gave so much to generations of Riverhead rowers.

At the end of the day, the team, with Coach Galimi, headed to the river to unpack the boats from Sunday’s Regatta.

“The water, that was his place,” Coach Galimi said.

They wondered how they could even be there without Coach Al, who had been coaching for decades, and was 82 when he passed away. But piece by piece, they put the gear in its place and tended to the boats.

Finally, someone had the idea of moving the roll call table -- which Coach Al had just fixed and painted the same color as his car -- to his spot in the parking lot.

It was not a huge gesture, but it was enough.

*What are your memories of Coach Al? Comment or email them to riptide@riverhead.net

Related Story

Read about Coach Al's time at Cold Spring Harbor High School

Back to the articles list

19 COMMENTS - add your comment below

12/9/2011 9:20:34 PM by Amber Giambone
It has been almost a month since I've lost Al, well since we all lost our beloved Coach Al not only I. The reality of him not being here still hasn't sunk in yet and I'm aware it won't for awhile. When I go down to the water in the spring I know the question will constantly come to my head "What boat should we take Al" and he'd always reply back to me "Any one that isn't broken Amber". There are so many moments that are my favorite that I've had with Al. He's made me and the rest of the crew time laugh all the time but he knew when it was time to get down to buisness. Seeing his smile when we we're at states was the happiest I've ever seen him and I wish I would be able to see it again this Spring but I know I won't. One of his signature words were "ho'kay" and it would always make me laugh. He was such an inspirational man in so many ways and when I row I will not only row for myself and my team but for my Coach that coached me to the rower I am today. His legend will go on through everyone he has taught.

11/18/2011 12:56:40 PM by Michele Carras
Although Al was not my coach for novice crew, I have many fond memories of him which I will always treasure in my heart. He was the kind of person you could look at and just tell he had that special touch to him. His famous "Al Smile" would brighten your day, along with his sense of humor. Al was a one of a kind man. He his a legacy, and will always be remembered. We love you Al <3

11/18/2011 12:21:57 PM by Dylan Gould
I owe many thanks to Al Borghard. He triggered a series of events that have certainly led me to where I am today. Al introduced rowing to Riverhead High School, a sport which no one from that school knew anything about or understood; a sport that has greatly changed my life. Al was persistent at, and devoted to, making Riverhead’s program an established program. He transformed what I knew of the Riverhead rowing program, a few kids with sub-par equipment, to what it is today, dozens of kids with a fleet of boats. He successfully brought rowing to an area where it had been practically unknown, just as he had done many times before. But his time at Riverhead was too short. Al knew more about this amazing sport than many people and I fear that many people at Riverhead never really got to see and experience just how much he knew. There are many things that I could continue to say about Al, all of things that he has done and the kind of person he was, but all I am going to say is this: Al Borghard has certainly changed my life and I only wish that he could have been around longer to change more people’s lives. Al, you will be missed.

11/17/2011 4:17:10 PM by Julia Buczynski
I honestly can say I didn't know coach Al too well which saddens me because i didn't get to experience the fond memories that the Varsity rowers got to share with him. From the times I talked to him he was always very kind. I really appreciate all the things he has done for the Riverhead Crew, he was ALWAYS so helpful and there in a second if any of us needed anything. All of us Riverhead students are really proud to have had him as a coach he was a truly a great man full of knowledge that taught all of us so much. I wish his family the best of luck. Everything will be okay. We love you Allan Borghard <3

11/17/2011 3:38:10 PM by David A.Normoyle
During my sophomore year in high school i started varsity crew with Coach Al. As a novice all we did was sweep so sculling was a total change. You have to remember to keep your hands one over the other and balance it the same and if your the bowman you have to steer and row and balance etc. I hated it, I wanted to go back to sweeping and do the easy way and have someone tell me the stroke count, I wanted the easy way out. I started to complain that Al was barely coaching because he wasnt showing us how to row and I was getting fustrated and wanted to quit. Al later told me during my junior winter season that as a coach he can only do so much, it was up to me to see how far I would push myself. After that the next season I worked hard. I started to really compete with the other rowers in the program and pushed not only myself but my friends as well. Now that Al has passed all i wanted was just for him to be there when i begin to push my limits further and really develope as a better rower. His passing has not been easy but he has left me with the strength, knowledge and motivation to climb higher. Coach Al Borghard is a phenominal person, mentor and friend, and i will never forget his little critiques that have only made me better. As Al always said, "You got to row alot to get alot better."

11/17/2011 2:57:39 PM by Joe Piro and Kelly Alfano
It was a fine October night; Halloween to be exact. The air was crisp, as laughter of little children filled the air. Kelly and I were trick-or-treating that night, and we made our way to our Coach Al's house, right down the road from Joe's. As we couldn't contain our excitement, we approached his door. DING DONG! went the bell and Joyce, Al's wife, answered the door with a smile. She gave us pretzels from an orange bowl, and Kelly and I asked if Al was home. Without hesitation, Joyce summoned Al from the living room couch. We heard loud footsteps from down the hallway that shook the entire foundation; Al quickly approached the door. He smiled when he met our gazes and was pleasantly surprised. He told Joyce "be sure to give them a little extra..." We yelled "THANKS AL!" and scurried away from his home, down the driveway. And THAT is why we love Al :]

11/17/2011 2:36:53 PM by Meyling Zuniga
Though I wasnt in varsity last year, just watching Al coach the varsity team was sufficent enough to realize how great of a man he was. Over the summer, while doing a summer camp for crew, he would always show up and examine the boats. When one of us broke the fin of an 8 during the summer, the first thing me, Amber, and Corinne thought of was Al, and how he always told us to watch the fin. Just watching him, and knowing how great of a life he had, makes me a tad bit calmer, and I know he did everything to improve the Crew team. After all, we would not be here if it were not for him. We all miss you Al <3

11/17/2011 2:29:26 PM by Pola Dobrzynski
It's impossible to know Al, and not come away with some sort of memory. The impact this man had on everyobdy he met is infinite, and I can't even begin to count how many lives he has touched. I, unfortunately was only able to know Al for a single season and even in this short amount of time he affected me. I saw his competitive spirit, his drive to push us, and most prominently the dedication to us as his rowers, even during his last few weeks. Even though I was able to recognize this every moment I was around him, it especially stood out this one time. Al simply offered me his sweater a cold day at practice. In the end, it was this small gesture that affected me the most, It ulitmately revealed to me the true desire Al had to help us become better in any way he could. Rest in peace, Al.

11/17/2011 11:47:08 AM by John P. Hogan, Sr.
We of the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, mourn the passing of a great coach, Al Borghard. Our sincere condolences go to his family and all of those hundreds of rowers that were influenced by Coach Borghard. We will miss him on the docks giving guidance and encouragement to his crews. Commodore.

11/17/2011 5:43:56 AM by Alexis Breest
I can honeslty say that every moment with Coach Al was memorable. He was the handy man that could fix or make anything that we needed. He knew everything there was to know about crew. The thing that comes to my mind when thinking of him was during conditioning when I couldn't do pull ups, he said this is how you do it and just started doing pull ups. I was in complete shock that he showed me up. He was someone who I looked up to for this reason. No matter what, he was always there. Whether it was to make a fin that we broke or to make an erg so we can have an extra one. He showed the team that everything was possible. I wish his family all the best and that they know how lucky we were to have him as our coach.

11/17/2011 5:42:40 AM by Alexis breest
I can honeslty say that every moment with Coach Al was memorable. He was the handy man that could fix or make anything that we needed. He knew everything there was to know about crew. The thing that comes to my mind when thinking of him was during conditioning when I couldn't do pull ups, he said this is how you do it and just started doing pull ups. I was in complete shock that he showed me up. He was someone who I looked up to for this reason. No matter what, he was always there. Whether it was to make a fin that we broke or to make an erg so we can have an extra one. He showed the team that everything was possible. I wish his family all the best and that they know how lucky we were to have him as our coach.

11/16/2011 10:03:57 PM by Joe Piro
Coach Al was one of a kind. He always knew how to make the whole team laugh and smile, and keep it that way. He brought a sense of humor to practice that was unique. Amongst all our jokes and laughs, Al always reminded us to stay focused on the water and to try our hardest. He had only one rule, and that was "Rule #4". Al had told us "I don't care about rules one through three, just don't break Rule #4: Don't do anything stupid!" Al had a sense of humor that one could only associate with him, and a smile that could turn around your entire day. One of my earliest memories of Al was during my novice year on the team when I was in the 9th Grade. I had the privilege to ride in Al's baby blue coach boat with him. Before all the boats had left the dock, Al had instructed me to place his c. 1970 blue megaphone into the boat. I did as was told, and before I knew it, we had left the dock. As we were leaving, the megaphone fell out without either of us noticing. Al had accused me of not putting it in the boat, but I had assured him I did. So, we searched what seemed like every square inch of the bay to try and find it. Although we never did find it that day, I like to think that Al did, for he had replaced it the very next day with a very similar looking megaphone. He always knew how to make me laugh, even if it wasn't intentional. The circumstances just always seemed right for a joke when with Al. He was an amazing man who taught us all so well. The Riverhead Crew Team will carry on his legacy, and I hope that one day I can have a legacy as amazing as his.

11/16/2011 10:00:32 PM by Crew Team Posts
When I crash into the marsh in the spring I'll hear you yelling at me asking if I saw the large land mass in the middle of the water.. You certainly were the funniest and cutest man ever Al, I know you got that smile on and your rowing happily up in Heaven. We love and miss you ♥- Michele Carras "If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you back home" RIP Al the best crew coach ever♥. The water was perfectly calm for u Al and you brought the whole team together I wish u could see us now♥- Amber Giambone It's a sad day when we lose a great man, but the thing about great men is there legacy lives on. Today is a sad day. We will never forget what we learned. We only hope that when you look down on us, you look down with a smile. From now on we row with you in our hearts. To the Architect of rowing across Long Island and the Father of Riverhead Crew. To Allan Borghard. We carry you where ever we go. Your legacy will live on.- Rohan Sment

11/16/2011 9:57:42 PM by Crew Team Posts
R.I.P. Coach Al, it takes a great man to accomplish and do everything you have done in a lifetime. You ARE STILL a truly great coach and inspiration to all of us on the crew team. Thank you for making the biggest impact on all of us, not a day will go by where we dont think about you!!!- Tyler Person R.I.P. Al you will be missed.- Bethany Normoyle I listen to the beat of the waves and hear ur voice. RIP Al -Greatest crew coach- Paige Molinari Rest in peace Al♥ Greatest crew coach to ever live.- Nicole Treadwell

11/16/2011 9:55:12 PM by Crew Team Posts
Rest in peace Al, thankyou for all of the amazing memories and coaching youve given througout the years to the Riverhead Crew Team♥- Jess Rowe I'd give just about anything just to hear him yell instructions at freshman coming into to dock. Love ya Al! Rest in peace buddy-Miles Portocarrero rest in peace coach al ♥ you will never be forgotten.-Justine Huysman

11/16/2011 9:52:10 PM by Crew Team Posts
Rest in peace Al we love you and I am really grateful you got to be my coach you taught me alot♥- Erin Hesler so unreal... ): rest in peace al ♥- Alli Maiorana Sorry about Crews loss, R.I.P Al </3- Chardae Dean Al will be missed :(♥- Julia Buczynski

11/16/2011 9:47:23 PM by Crew Team Posts
Rest in peace Coach Al. We all love you so much, what you've taught us all in crew & in life itself I will cherish forever. I will remember all of the good times we had and all the times you made us laugh(: I'll remember your smile everytime I row and every race I'm dedicating to you. Thank you for blessing my life with crew and I hope you rowed all the way to heaven. We will miss you so much♥- Kelly Alfano rest in peace coach Al, we all love you and know youre in a better place watching over us♥ - Sam Keupp Rest in peace Coach Al♥ you will always be with us.- Jackie Crabb

11/16/2011 9:33:20 PM by Ethan Zaweski
The name "Coach Al" brings up joyful memories. Everyday during practice Al, while telling us what we were doing wrong, would give us "the" smile between each tip. If you ever asked Al if he wanted help he always gave his famous smile in place of saying "That would be great". After practice each day when everything was done, all the boats put away, all the stretchers back next to the tree, his coach boat brought up onto the dock, we would get the opportunity to learn from Al's pep talk at the end, which included the smile, what we did wrong, the smile, what we could do better, the smile, the probability that we would row the next day, the smile, the plan for the next day, and last but not least the smile. Al tried to make every practice that he could, showing true dedication to a team that needed an idol, and an example to follow. Everyone that met Al shortly smiled after the encounter since Al was such a good-hearted man who only wanted to help others. Al will be missed and cherished by all that he met.

11/16/2011 8:44:49 PM by Kelly Alfano
I have so many fond memories of coach Al, memories that my team and I will pass on to future rowers. One of my many favorite memories of Al was his sense of humor. Even in the most serious of times, his smile and funny comments would make us all laugh. One day, as we were placing our boat into the water, we nearly smashed the fin into the dock. Al, who was always watching screamed "Damnation!". We were all a little thrown off since he never yelled, but right after he yelled he flashed us his famous smile and continued on in his coach boat. Another time, I approached Al very excited and ready to tell him about the candy I sold to raise money for the team. With no hessitation, he responded with a sarcactic yet comical anwser of "H'OKAY". The team, including Al chuckled and moved on with our practice. He never failed to make us smile. Lastly, when preparing vigurously for our states race, we were lined up to practice our racing stokes. Nervous that Al was timing us, he yelled "Ready, Set...", then he paused, and in German shouted "GO". We all sat in our boats confused as to what he yelled, as he sped away smiling. He finally came back and told us he said "go", and we all laughed. Not a day went by when Al didd'nt make us smile. I'll always remember Al for being an amazing coach, but more so and amazing person whos love and dedication to our team makes us the family we are today. We love you Al!