THOMAS E. EVANS, JR.

 2012 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

       Tom’s coaching career began in 1976 at the Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. Upon arriving in RI, in 1987, he began to develop the swim team program at St George’s School. Tom coached from 1987 to 1994 and 2002 to the present. He played a key role in making the argument for new swimming facilities, and in the desiY1 of and fund raising for the new swimming center which opened in 2004.

     Under Tom’s leadership, swimming has been an outstanding component of the St. George’s School athletic program. His focus on the individual student, and the development of each own talents at an appropriate level, has helped the program to stand out with no swimmer being cut from the team. All emphasis was placed on personal best performances and total team and program support for every student swimming, no matter the level of ability. He has fostered outreach by developing the “Friendship Meet” with the Perkins School for the Blind. His team accomplishments include the Newport County Championships in 2011, three years winning the men and women team Independent School League Invitational, and the 2009 Girls

Championship in the New England Preparatory School Swimming Association small school event as well as placing second for the girls and third for the boys in 2010 and 2011.

Tom is the ultimate teacher and coach. He is unyielding in his commitment to providing every student with the best possible opportunities for self-discovery, for growth and for challenge. Tom exemplifies the highest standards of teaching and coaching and for more than thirty years has had tremendous impact on the institutions, the programs and the individuals that he has worked with. His dedication is always to the individual, and to individuals no matter at every level of talent.