This article was published in the Nov. 2013 print issue and has been edited for clarity.
By Brent Frederisy
After surf team’s rocky start to the year, Coach David Rorden was promoted to head coach in October.
Coach Rorden is an experienced surfer and board shaper who served as assistant coach until the end of last year. He has spent many years surfing both recreationally and competitively.
“He’s a great guy, a good coach, a board shaper, [and] has been in the surf industry a long time,” said Paul Hafen, assistant coach.
Passion and profession are a mix for Rorden. Although he has a degree in horticulture, his true love is surfing and has been shaping surfboards for more than thirty years. His career doesn’t limit his other passions.
“Eating,” said Rorden when asked about his interests outside of surfing,”I like to eat food.”
“He’s awesome, he’s a homie, his name is Dave,” said Riley Donohoo (’16) when asked to describe Coach Rorden. “He’s working with the players a lot and that’s really cool.”
Rorden’s style of coaching is hands-on and individual, preferring to engage players one-on-one and address problems quickly.
“He likes to take competitors aside and tell them what they’re doing wrong and put them in shape,” said Donohoo.
The problems that surf team once faced were solved when Rorden implemented a stricter attendance and restructuring management. With administrative issues resolved, this new season looks like a bright one for surf team.
“I’m excited to be doing this,” said Rorden. “It’s a new thing for me and I’ve got a lot of good people and a lot of good kids helping me.”
