SENNETT - For many of his swimmers, Rich Hamberger is more than just a coach.

He's a friend and a role model.

Hamberger, the boys swimming coach at Auburn High School, is in need of a liver transplant and will be traveling to Miami to have the surgery.

On Sunday at the Auburn Correctional Facility Rec Center, friends and family held a benefit to raise money for Hamberger's trip. Among those in attendance were many of his current and former swimmers who were eager to help out.

“He is the best coach I've ever had,” said Mark Cool who swam for three years under Hamberger. “He was more than just a coach; he was our friend.”

Along with many of the swimmers that Hamberger has coached since taking over the program in 1997, Cool recently made the trip to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester to visit his coach.

“We had swimmers coming from all over the state,” said Chris Graber, a former Auburn swimmer.

While Hamberger won't be coaching the Maroons this season, his presence will still be felt in the pool.

“Whenever I went to practice he wouldn't be over my back,” said Auburn senior Pat O'Donovan. “He kind of did his own thing, but the way he treated us inspired us. In the back of my mind I would be thinking how I don't want to let him down.”

Hamberger has sent more than 100 swimmers to college and O'Donovan will be added to that list next year.

“I really wish he would have been my coach for my senior year,” O'Donovan said. “He is always trying to get me to my greatest potential as a swimmer.”

Due to the recovery period it takes after a liver transplant, Hamberger will be turning over the reigns this season to his assistant of four years, Luke Ferrin. He will be joined by Tom Clary and Jim Clary.

“When Rich is ready to come back, everything will be smooth sailing for him,” Ferrin said.

And as dedicated he is as a coach, Hamberger is even more dedicated to his family. Hamberger and his son, Dave, recently bought an old car and the two have spent time working on it together.

“He's a perfectionist,” said Hamberger's son, Dave. “He's my role model.”

In addition to swimming, Hamberger has another passion that keeps him around the water - sand castle building. He takes his family to Daytona Beach every year where he proudly shows off his other hobby.

“It's amazing how well he does them,” said family friend Jen Pinera of Hamberger's sand castles. “He is always doing them in the hot sun and they turn out so beautiful.”

Hamberger was unable to attend the benefit. He is still awaiting a liver and when one is found, it will only take six to eight hours to get him into surgery. After the surgery, he will have to spend a month in Miami and then spend two more weeks under around-the-clock supervision.

Each person in attendence Sunday had their own message to send to Hamberger.

“This just shows you how much he means to people,” Ferrin said. “It's amazing to see how one man's life has influenced so many people. It's great support. We're going through this with him, hoping he can get this behind him and move on. Then someday we can laugh about it.”

How to help

Anyone interested in making a donation to Rich Hamberger can send a check to:

Rich Hamberger

34 French Avenue

Auburn, NY 13021