Here are some remembrances about Mark Randall, the longtime Colgate swimming coach and founder of Chenango Water Exercise program, who passed away Feb. 2.
On behalf of the Syracuse University swimming and diving family, I would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences to Coach Randall’s family. Coach Randall will be remembered as a great competitor with tremendous love and knowledge of the sport. But more importantly, as a good man with a word of praise when deserved or a word of encouragement when needed. Coach Randall you will be missed.
Lou Walker
Head coach, swimming and diving, Syracuse University
1976-present
I was seriously hurt in a car accident in 1990 and was unable to walk and could barely move my legs. I was told by different doctors, ‘Get used to it.’ That was until I meet Mr. Randall. I started making the trip to his water therapy program three days a week from Whitesboro, and very slowly we moved forward. Mr. Randall made you prove yourself, but when you did you had a teacher, motivator and most important, a friend for life. I am so proud of the friendship we developed; we talked about all things, sports and most importantly, life. One of my proudest days was when Mr. and Mrs. Randall came to my family’s home for some coffee and dessert after shopping in the area. I couldn’t have been prouder if the President himself came.
My life changed forever the day of my accident, but I am very happy to tell you that today I walk with the aid of a walker and use the wheelchair only for long trips. Mr. Randall also told me to keep moving forward and today I own a couple of businesses, live in my own home, and have a great life. I thank Mr. Randall from the bottom of my heart for all his help, guidance, inspiration, and friendship. My thoughts could fill pages but I want to pass on all my love and prayers to his beautiful wife, and his family. Heaven is a better place today because another angel is on his way.
Thank you Mr. Randall, for everything.
Michael J. Parker
Whitesboro
I was sorry to hear about the passing of Mark Randall. I knew Mr. Randall during my student days at Colgate when he was in the physical education department and was involved in the swimming program. When I arrived at Colgate I was an OK swimmer; when I left I was better. This ‘life skill’ of swimming came to good use when I joined the military. I can remember ‘bobbing’ in the Atlantic Ocean for 30 minutes during USAF water survival training and thinking that Coach Randall would be pleased with my passing of this ‘little test.’ My sincere condolences – he will be missed.
Bob Glendening ‘ 71
Rhode Island
It was with great sadness I read the article on Coach Randall’s passing. During my four years he always had an open ear and positive advice. A very positive influence on my life. My sincere condolences.
Randy Smith ’68
I first met Mark when I was a junior in high school in Utica, N.Y. We used to practice swimming at Hamilton College and Mark was the coach of swimming at Hamilton. When he transferred to Colgate, he was one of the main reasons I went to Colgate.
All during my time at Colgate he was a wonderful mentor and kept me on the straight and level. He was a great leader and a super friend. The Lord must have needed a Supervisor of Aquatics in Heaven. He will be missed in Hamilton, N.Y.
Al LeBlang ’50
My family and I took Mark to see Ethel at the living center in New Hartford one winter day a few years ago. We dropped Mark off and made sure he got to the right room without conversing with too many people prior to seeing his wife. After saying hello and agreeing to a pick-up time out front, Nicole and the boys and I went off to run some errands around New Hartford and Utica.
A few hours later, we came back and waited at the front door for some time. After waiting, we parked and went in to get Mark to return back to Hamilton. Upon walking into the room, all that stood out were husband and wife, sound and deep asleep, holding hands. Absolutely priceless.
With great respect,
Bill Roberts
Navy swimming coach
Colgate University swimming and diving 2000-2003