The Northern California aquatic community suffered a devastating loss when SRJC Head Dive Coach Tim Nobriga died at his home from a heart attack on Feb. 14.
Nobrigadevoted 37 years to SRJC and planned to retire at the end of this season. During his tenure, he motivated and molded countless young adults into respective role models. However, his contributions reachedmuch further than SRJC. Nobriga is regarded as a Northern California diving legend.
He began his career at SRJC in 1974 as assistant diving coach, and in 1977 he was hired full-time as an adjunct instructor. He also was head water polo coach for 15 years. Currently, he was an aquatics instructor and head dive coach for both men and women.
Head swim coach Jill McCormick was a close friend to Nobriga, working togetherfor 11 years. She described how his presence alone worked as motivation for all swimmers, divers, and coaches at the SRJC. McCormick said Nobriga embodied the SRJC tradition of stability and resilience, always a dependable source of inspiration.
“Just as you could rely on the sun rising, you could rely on Tim. He was a creature of habit, the strong silent type, just happy with inspiring others and didn’t need any recognition for his work,” McCormick said.
Nolan Irwin met Nobriga at a Santa Rosa diving class when he was 9 years old and formed a strong relationship with him, which lasted 17 years. “He for sure had a huge impact on diving techniques and… decisions,” Irwin said. Nobriga announced his decision to retire in 2009, so SRJC could find a replacement, and Irwin was the first choice to take over his position.
When asked about Nobriga’s coaching influences Irwin said, “Instead of telling you exactly what to do, he tried to lead you in the right direction and let you figure it out. He was an amazing motivator and he was great at getting his divers to give their best.”
Irwin will take over the head dive coach position,and he realizes how much this season means to the teams. “There’s a lot of mixed emotions around here right now, but no one needs to be motivated. They know what it would mean if we won state,” Irwin said.
Since Nobriga was retiring at the end of this year,both swim and dive teams planned a surprise celebration acknowledging his career. Before the Nor-Cal Relays began on Feb. 5, both swim and dive teams along with many of Nobriga’s friends and family showed their appreciation for his contributions to the Northern California swimming and diving community, not knowing what fate awaited. Everyone gathered around the pool to show his or her support. Many of his former divers and colleagues spoke about Nobirga’s influence on their lives. Everyoneinvolved with that heart-warming celebration now cherishesthat moment.
“The biggest regret I have is never telling Tim how much he meant to SRJC and the entire diving community. He will definitely be missed,” said Head Athletic Director Jim Forkum.
Nobriga’s contributions will never be forgotten and both swim and dive teams have dedicated this season on his behalf.
A memorial service will be held on Feb. 21 at Daniels Chapel of the Roses located on Sonoma Ave.