BOB HASSAN
2024 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
Bob has a very extensive and impressive background in swimming both as a competitor and as a coach. Beginning as a young swimmer, Bob competed in YMCA, AAU, and the Narragansett Swim League excelling in sprint and breaststroke events. He swam as part of several Rhode Island All Star teams and won his share of South-Eastern New England YMCA championships, RI State Age Group championships, and was a RI Interscholastic State Champion. During his Barrington High
School years, Bob was a sprinter and breaststroke swimmer, but he was ready and willing to jump into any event where the team needed someone to score. As a result of his leadership skills, he was selected as captain of the team during his senior year and helped lead the team to the final nail biting-end at the memorable 1979 state championships.
Bob’s contributions to swimming are even more evident when considering his coaching accomplishments. His dedication to his swimmers is reflected in his history of rebuilding and growing programs. Bob has had much success coaching over the last 3 decades at Barrington YMCA, Barrington High School, East Providence Boys & Girls Club, East Providence High School, Deighton-Rehoboth High School, Bayside YMCA and Rhode Island / Massachusetts Coaches and Officials League (RIMA). He has coached many swimmers who have excelled on various levels locally and nationally – YMCA, high school, Boys & Girls Club, and summer leagues. He has coached several Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame (RIAHOF) inductees.
Ever the teacher and coach, Bob models the importance of civics, engagement, teamwork, integrity and respect to his swimmers and parents, as well as other teams and officials. He is all about giving kids the opportunity to see what they can achieve, helping them realize who they can be, and motivating them to reach their potential and beyond. Bob creates experiences and memories that impact his swimmers not just for a season, but for a lifetime.
As a “connector”, Bob seemingly knows everyone. The adage of there is only six degrees of separation certainly applies to Bob. He can be in Florida, Texas, or Providence and he runs into someone who connects with Bob’s swimming, teaching, or music careers. He has had several swimmers who are children of his former Park View Middle School students or former teammates’ children who were in his classes at school. Bob builds and cares for the communities of swimmers, parents, students, colleagues, teachers, and musicians. Together they are evidence of his success and his reward for a job well done. Bob joins his sister, Marianne Hassan – (2023) RIAHOF inductee, as a member of our hall of fame.