Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
search menu
The news from Broad Ripple
Brought to you by The Broad Ripple Gazette
(Delivering the news since 2004, every two weeks)
Subscribe to Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
Brought to you by:
VirtualBroadRipple.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com

Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2015 05 15arrowRandom Rippling

back button return to index button next button
Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n10)
Jan Brown Award goes to Sandy Fenstermaker
by Alan Hague
posted: May 15, 2015

Sandy Fenstermaker, long time Broad Ripple High School coach, received the prestigious Jan Brown Award at the annual Marion County Coaches of Girl's Sports banquet on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly, in their lifetime, to the promotion and betterment of girl's and women's sports in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The award is presented annually at the MCCGSA banquet where they recognize the outstanding senior female athletes in the City and County high schools. Her husband, Jerry, and their family of five children kept the award a surprise and joyfully joined her at the awards dinner.

Sandy Fenstermaker with her award and her family members at the ceremony.
Sandy Fenstermaker with her award and her family members at the ceremony.
image courtesy of Carroll Bradshaw


Known as "Mrs. F" by the student athletes on her teams, Sandy has coached the BRMHS Women's golf team from 1977 - present, coached the BRMHS Men's and Women's swim teams from 2002 - present, assistant coached the BRHS girl's track team for many years in the 1980's and 1990's, and coached the Brebeuf Men's and Women's swim team from 1975 - 1993. She has coached a State Championship Diver, numerous state swimming and track finalists, and most currently a city swimming champion and city swimming record holder who just happens to be her granddaughter.
A 1954 Broad Ripple High School graduate and BR resident for over 50 years, she has also taught many children and adults in the area to swim and play golf. She excels in teaching special needs children, adults, and those who have a fear of the water. She also provides free coaching to many dedicated early morning lap swimmers at the Riviera Club.
Despite the onset of knee problems as a child, to say that Sandy was an irrepressible athlete is like saying Carmel H.S. is kind of good at swimming! From an outdoors, "get out and do it" kind of family, there wasn't a time she wasn't on the go. This love of sports and of generally being active is translated daily into a coaching career which has spanned decades. Far more important than the years however is the sheer number of lives she has touched in a positive way and the love of sports she has imbued on thousands of children growing up here in Indianapolis. The life lessons that all sports have to offer have a serious advocate in Sandy! The following are a few highlights of her contributions over the years:

Jan Brown Award goes to Sandy Fenstermaker
image courtesy of Carroll Bradshaw


A 1958 graduate of Miami University (OH) she is married to Jerry Fenstermaker and the parent of 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. . . with a couple of more expected soon!
A lifelong aquatics instructor at the Riviera Club as well as the Jordan YMCA, Sandy has not only taught thousands of kids of to swim, but she has specialized in working with special-needs children as well as those who have a fear of the water.
Finally, in addition to continuing to coach, Sandy is one of the founding board members as well as the President of a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to support an active lifestyle through access to sports and related opportunities. Their latest project includes bringing a water safety program to first and second grade classes in the IPS school system.



alan@broadripplegazette.com
back button return to index button next button
Brought to you by:
BroadRippleHistory.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com
Brought to you by:
EverythingBroadRipple.com RandomRipplings.com Broad Ripple collector pins