DAVID W. HANSON

1992 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Dave’s contribution to interscholastic swimming and his involvement with teaching and coaching is well known to persons associated with aquatics in Rhode Island and the New England area.  The enthusiasm and time he has devoted to the promotion of competitive swimming is unmatched.

Dave’s interest in aquatics began when he was a  competitor on the Cranston West Junior High swim team, and continued into high school under coach Jim Lynch and the Cranston West Swim team.  Dave also starred as a defensive end on the Cranston West football team.  After graduation in 1970, he attended the University of Rhode Island, receiving his B.S. degree in Physical Education in 1974.

During this time Dave volunteered as an assistant coach to Jim Lynch with the Cranston West swim team and together they built the Falcons into a swimming powerhouse…winning R.I. State Championships in  1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1976, including 47 straight dual meet victories.  They were also New England Champs in 1972.

Dave became the head swim coach at Park View Jr. High in Cranston in 1974, winning the Junior High Championship.  In 1976 and 1977 he coached the Bain Junior High team.  Dave is presently a Physical Education teacher at Bain.  He received his Masters Degree in 1980.

In 1977, Dave became the first swimming coach at Bishop Hendricken High School and after competing the first year on a club basis, he has since guided the Hawks to six R.I. Interscholastic Championships, two New England Championships, and four Max Read Memorial titles.  His Hendricken team also received the John Stoyko Memorial Award for team sportsmanship in 1980 and 1986 from the Swim Officials Association.  Dave has coached Bishop Hendricken to over 145 dual meet victories to date.

He is currently a swim instructor at the Community College of Rhode Island, and is a member of the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association, the Rhode Island Swim Officials Association, and is a Past President of the R.I. High School Coaches Association.  Dave is also a Past President of the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame.