After spending four years in retirement, Jack Wagner is returning as the Fenwick High School girls’ water polo head coach.
The school announced Wagner’s return in a news release, January 15.
“Fenwick has played a huge part in my life,” Wagner said, “and I’m looking forward to hopefully bringing back some success. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
“Jack has built a career of achievements that spans decades,” said Fenwick aquatics director Beto Garcia. “He not only transformed teams, but he also shaped the lives of countless athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness in and out of the pool.”
In his 26 previous seasons (1993-1998, 2000-2020), Wagner guided the Friars to three consecutive state titles from 2004 to 2006. He surpassed the 600-career victory mark in 2019 and recorded less than 100 losses from 2000 to 2017. Wagner’s son John is a 2020 Fenwick graduate.
In addition to his Fenwick experience, Wagner is the founder of Windy City Water Polo, formerly known as the Chicago Polar Bears (1988), and has served as boys Midwest Zone coach for USA Water Polo (1990-1998) and as an assistant for Indiana University women’s water polo (1998-1999).
“[Wagner] is an all-time great known for building teams, setting high expectations, and getting everyone to bring their best every day,” Fenwick athletic director Scott Thies said.