GERARD J. COURNOYER III

2006 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Gerry started his swimming career as a walk-on for the Cumberland High Swim Team in the mid 80’s. He competed as a distance freestyle swimmer helping Cumberland to its fifth State Championship during his senior year. Gerry swam at Norwich University in Vermont and was named captain of the varsity swim team in 1990.

Gerry began coaching in 1991 at the Cumberland Lincoln Boys Club. He developed the team into a group of 102 swimmers, several of who were USS New England Champions.

In 1994, Gerry, as the head swim coach of Bridgewater State College, coached his men’s team to its first undefeated season. The women’s team posted their first winning season in nine years. After two seasons at Bridgewater State, he relocated to Pennsylvania as head coach of Lycoming College. The women’s team finished 13-1 that season. The team capped the season by winning their first MAC Conference Championship and Gerry was named the 1997 MAC Conference Coach of the Year.

Gerry returned to New England in 2000 as head coach of the University of Vermont. He reestablished the men and women’s programs. The women had their first winning season since 1992, and the most wins since 1982. Gerry remains the Vermont Catamount women’s swimming head coach in his sixth season. For the past three years he has coached a Masters swim/triathlon training team out of the University of Vermont pool. Since 1993 Gerry himself has competed in 23 triathlons including the 1998 Montreal Esprit Iron Man Distance Triathlon.

Gerry is married to Jennifer, residing in South Burlington, Vermont with their children Seth and Caitlin.