RICHMOND — In July, nearly four months after learning he was stricken with stage 4 pancreatic and liver cancer, Colonel Aquatics coach Tim Cahill asked a former swimmer and assistant coach to take over the program for him.

“I’ll make you proud,” John Stratman told his mentor, role model and friend.

A month later, Cahill lost his battle with cancer.

Now the program that Cahill steered and groomed for 20 years is in the hands of Stratman, who had been a swimmer at Arlington, Colonel Aquatics and Model Laboratory School under the coaching of Cahill.

“It’s an honor to coach this great Colonel Aquatics team with coach Cahill’s blessing and the legacy he has with the team,” Stratman said. “We’re carrying on keeping a fun, positive environment. The kids are having a good time. We’re also very competitive and still could have a great season.”

Merely a month before the first meet, the swimmers suffered a blow with the loss of their coach.

“It’s hard for everybody just to be here and not see coach every day,” Caroline Smith, a 15-year-old swimmer and Madison Central student, said. “We know this is what he wants. This is who he put in charge, so it’s for the best. We’re going to make it the best season we can for him.”

The swimmers have dedicated their efforts this season to the memory of Cahill, and knowing he hand-picked his successor has eased the transition.

“We know he set us up for what he wants,” Smith said. “Having his blessing helps a lot. Coach taught John a lot before he passed and John knows what he’s doing.”

Stratman said he’s striving to maintain the program at the same level as if Cahill were still in charge. Yet, there are still some differences.

“There are some,” Kaylin Burchell, a 17-year-old swimmer and Madison Central student, said. “Coach definitely knew what he was talking about; John knows what he’s talking about. But they have completely different ways of running a      practice.”

While the specifics might differ, the philosophy remains the same.

“I want to continue what coach Cahill did and just make it a real positive environment and a fun environment,” Stratman said.

Cahill led the program since the Colonel Aquatics team was founded in 1990 and Stratman would like to have just as successful a tenure as his mentor.

“I hope so,” he said of coaching Colonel Aquatics for 20 years. “That’s the idea. It’s a great program he’s (Cahill) built.”

That program will be under the direction of a different coach for the first time since its inception. For most of these swimmers, aged five through 17, it will be just the second coach they’ve ever had.

“It’s weird not having him (Cahill) here,” Smith said. “It’s not what we’ve always known. It’s a change, but it’s a change we have to deal with.”

But for a group that’s taken on the philosophy of its former coach, the change shouldn’t be too difficult.

Since Cahill’s diagnosis in April, the team has worn caps with the words, “Attitude is everything” emblazoned on the side.

So far the attitude has been positive.

“I’m glad the team stayed together and this hasn’t broken it up,” Burchell said. “That’s what coach Cahill would want. He just wants to see everyone here and working hard. That’s what I want to see, too. What I want to be a part of.”

The first season without Cahill won’t be without its roadblocks, something Stratman understands.

“It has its challenges,” he said. “We’re going to take it one day at a time. It’s going to be an emotional season. We’re going to work hard together and do the best we can.”

Colonel Aquatics will take 23 swimmers to Louisville Sept. 24 and 25 for the Cardinal IMX meet. Those swimmers will take part in 142 races.