No one on the St. Xavier swimming and diving staff better epitomizes the integration of education and athletes than Dr. Jim Counts. Jim returned to his high school alma mater with a remarkable resume, but more importantly with the skills and enthusiasm to make a tremendous difference on and off the deck.
A 1977 St. X grad, he obtained his BS as a full scholarship student/athlete at the University of Missouri. Dr. Jim subsequently earned his Masters at XU and Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati. His “school learning” prepared him well for a 34 year career in the Mariemont City School system where he served as teacher, curriculum supervisor, principal and dean of students. Currently, he is a religion teacher at St. Margaret of York in Loveland. He also served on the faculty at Northern Kentucky University.
Athletically, Coach Counts began as many have, in the PPSL, moving on to the Marlins and Summertime Swim Club (under assistance coaches Debbie & Tom Keefe). However, his achievements at St. Xavier and Missouri are difficult to match. A member of 4 state championships squads (captain as a senior) he garnered high school All-American honors in breaststroke and as a member of the medley relay. Along the way, he finaled at Junior Nationals in the same events and qualified for Senior Nationals.
Jim completed his athletic career as an Academic All American while part of “Mizzou’s” Big 8 program.
Dr. Counts provides the St. X program with a distinguished background coaching at various levels. Summer club experiences at Madeira and Fairfax Swim Clubs have blended with winter club positions at Mariemont Aquatic Club and Anderson Barracudas. 25 years of high school experience, including the head coaching post at Mariemont, certainly have benefited the many swimmers with whom he has worked. He has coached over sixty high school All-Americans.
Coach Counts devoted a significant amount of time as a leader in the Red Cross aquatics program. He also serves as a “man for others” in various roles and is a member of St. Margaret of York Parish. In his leisure time Jim can be found – where else – around the water; boating, skiing, scuba diving… you get the idea.
