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"A coach will not flourish financially in this environment. He kept his ideals and lives modestly in La Crosse with his wife and daughters. He has not sought fame or fortune in other places but has continued to deliver a great program for kids and families here in La Crosse.” -Richard Pein, head swimming coach at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
"He lives his faith daily and is loved by all those who know him ... He is a humble man who has touched the lives of thousands and enriched every one. I can think of no other individual within our community who deserves the honor of being named the Tribune Person of the Year this year.” -Joseph Benacci, friend
"Jon Brenner is a great man. Jon’s unwavering belief in the good things that exist in all of us is what has made him a successful swim coach and champion of life ... Unfortunately right now, Jon is fighting a battle that nobody should have to fight. After head pain, a seizure, a brain tumor found and removed, radiation, and chemotherapy, Jon is battling cancer. And yet, he continues to coach. Jon made a choice long ago to have a career in which he could make a difference in the lives of others versus wealth and material possessions. Jon deserves this. There are very few, if any, that have positively influenced the large number of people that Jon has over the past couple decades. Jon’s influence will be passed on and the La Crosse area and beyond will forever benefit.” -Eric Hirsbrunner, a former swimmer
