Brian Lee and Doug Reyes can't remember when they first met; they just know they've been friends for a long time.

Thirty years ago, they were both up-and-coming swimming coaches on the National Team Coach List. Lee, from Hawai'i, and Reyes, from California, met at a swim meet. They became friends over the course of many swim meets.

Over the years, they talked about someday coaching together. In September, they finally made it happen. Reyes had been coming to Hawai'i for family vacations for 46 years. His parents liked to spend the winter months at the Hawaiiana Hotel on Beach Walk.

After losing both his parents, Reyes cast about for what to do with himself. "My father always told me to follow my dreams," he says. He called his old buddy Brian Lee, 'Iolani swimming coach since 1989, to see if there was a coaching job open at the school. There wasn't, but Lee, through some creative management and self-sacrifice, made it happen anyway.

He joins a staff that includes a two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer, an Olympic coach and a program that encompasses the school swimming lessons; the high school team, which competes from November to February; a year-round program; and after-school lessons open to kids from outside 'Iolani.

Both Reyes and Lee have coached champions, though neither professes to be an exceptional swimmer himself. Both figured out early that while they loved the sport, they loved coaching it best.

"It's the kids," Reyes says. "You tell somebody to do something and they look at you like you're crazy. You keep working with them, and a couple of years later, they do it and it's 'Wow, I did that!' "

Both coaches agree that competitive swimming teaches kids essential skills that will carry them through life: time management, focus, discipline, perseverance and the ability to push past your comfort zone. After all, if you can swim 500 laps twice a day, five or six days a week for 10 weeks straight, you know you're made of strong stuff.

A former swimmer recently credited Lee's coaching for his success in law school. "He would tell himself, 'If I could get through those workouts, I can get through law school,' " Lee said.

The coaches also believe that the friendships made at the pool are often friends you keep your whole life. "In swimming, you only really compete against yourself," Lee says.

Reyes nods at what his old buddy is saying. "They learn that the other swimmers help make them better."

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.