Ranney School's Walling Aquatic Center Dedicated

A great portion of the weekend’s Homecoming events were dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and tenancy of Mr. Walling. On Friday at the school’s pep rally, he was honored by several members of the Ranney community including current students, Director of Athletics, Thomas Moriau, Ranney School Board of Trustee, Patricia Kurdyla, and Head of School, Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff. On Saturday following the school’s Fall Festival and sporting events, Mr. Walling was once again honored at the Alumni Reunion Dinner. The dinner also served as the 10-year reunion for the class of 2002 and the induction ceremony for the Panther Athletics Hall of Fame. The speakers, including Mr. Walling’s daughters, Kait and Liz, all shared memories and kind words about the beloved coach and Aquatics Director.  The Walling Aquatic Center was once again unveiled as Dr. Sykoff joined Mr. Walling on stage to cut a ribbon, signifying the official dedication of the center in his honor. Beyond his passion for the swim program and genuine personality, Mr. Walling also brings a significant amount of experience, and a love for teaching, to the school.  He began swimming competitively at the age of nine up until his college years at Union College in Kentucky.  From ages 15 to 22, he spent his summers lifeguarding for the New Jersey Department of Interior.  After graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, he served as the Aquatic Director of the Red Bank YMCA from 1972 to 1980.

Since 1980, when Mr. Walling arrived at Ranney, he has been the first person in and the last person out of the pool. That same year, Mr. Walling introduced the Varsity Swim Team. At that time, the school only had a total of 16 swimmers.  Last year, Ranney’s swim team had 15 girls and 16 boys on the roster.  Due to increased interest in joining the swim team, the program was able to separate boys’ and girls’ teams in 2008, giving swimmers even more motivation to succeed.  Each year, as the program grows, the teams at Ranney get larger and more talented.  In 2004, the boys’ team won the Patriot Conference Championship.  This accomplishment increased the swimmers’ confidence and all attribute this to Mr. Walling’s unwavering support of the team over the years. For 27 out of his 32 years at Ranney, the Varsity Swim Team has been a co-ed program. With his devotion to the children and to the facility, Mr. Walling always ensures that the Aquatic Center is in top-tier condition. Last year, a new bulkhead with starting blocks and state-of-the art timing system was installed in the Aquatic Center -  the Colorado Timing System allows Ranney to host championship-sized meets. Mr. Walling demonstrates his knowledge and commitment to the program with continual  improvements such as new lights, a new roof, fresh pool water, air heaters, and multiple banners to display the many successes of the Panthers over the years. Along with help from the generous parent community, the Board of Trustees and Dr. Sykoff,  Mr. Walling has made the facility a model school aquatic center.

Ranney alumni from the past 32 years will remember their first gradual steps into the pool; with Mr. Walling gracefully encouraging them and allowing every student to discover the water on their own terms and conditions. Both present and past students will always remember Mr. Walling’s help and support, whether it was in the pool or providing them with inspiration for their futures. When Emmett Walling is not in the Aquatic Center sporting flip-flops and a bathing suit, he is spending time with his wife, Jacqueline of 34 years. Together, they raised three children, all of which became outstanding swimmers. Beyond swimming, he also has a passion for motorcycles and his Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. He also enjoys road biking, raising large-breed dogs, particularly mastiffs, and of course going to the beach.

After years of hard work and dedication to Ranney School, the swim team, numerous scholar-athletes and the aquatics program, Mr. Walling and hundreds of students and swimmers in Monmouth County will proudly see his name when they walk into the facility --an everlasting impression that, through the dedication of one outstanding faculty member and coach, exemplifies the school’s motto, Knowledge, Vision and Honor.

View the article about Mr. Wallling in the Coast Star - 'Ranney School to honor Squan's Wallling during fall festival event'.