While the author disclaims any attempt of self-laudation, still for the benefit of the many who will read this volume and would like to know his capability for assuming to teach the modern methods of swimming, the following letters, from prominent authorities on the sport, are reproduced:
L. deB. Handley, New York Athletic Club.
“Jim Sterrett may be counted among the pioneers of swimming in this country. He was called the ‘Father of American Swimming’ when I entered the field of competition 20 years ago. Sterrett’s prolific pen, too, has done much to spread knowledge of developments. It was in one of his books that I read the first technical discussion of the principles of aquatic progression ever come to my notice, and his numerous articles on all branches of watermanship have ever held interest for me.”
Wm. E. Bernard, Jr., Swimming Coach, Girard College, Philadelphia.
“Mr. Sterrett is known from coast to coast as an authority on swimming, as well as a successful amateur coach. He taught me a lot ten years ago, and I am now successfully using his methods in teaching boys at Girard College.”
William G. Friedgen, Philadelphia Turngemeinde.
“Through the early years of Mr. Sterrett’s connection with the Philadelphia Swimming Club, which he organized in 1890, he was the guiding spirit of that body of enthusiastic devotees of the sport, always having in view the teaching and propagation of the art of natation among its members, as well as to assist in similar development in other organizations. He lent his aid to the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy and the Y.M.C.A., and was one of the original members of the Swimming Committee of the Philadelphia Turngemeinde, besides being instrumental in promoting many national and district swimming tournaments, thus affording frequent opportunity for competitions.”