2021 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

David began his swimming career at the Cranston Swim Club then coached by RIAHOF Inductee Ed Golden.  He was an outstanding age group swimmer and while attending Cranston High School East earned All State Honors all three years.  He was named to the Journal Bulletin All State Team in the 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle as well as both the Medley Relay and Freestyle Relay.

              While attending Cranston East High School from 1961 to 1963 he was again coached by Ed Golden.  During his career, in addition to being named to the Providence Journal All State Team for three years, he was a finalist at the Brown Interscholastic Championships and in his senior year he won the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 23.00.  Cranston East was the Brown Interscholastic Team Champion and the Rhode Island Interscholastic Team Champion all three years that David represented his team.

              At the 1962 New England Championship David anchored the 200 yard medley relay that set a new record in that event with a time of 1:49.30.  David finished third in his individual event, the 50 yard freestyle, and Cranston East won the New England Interscholastic Championship title for it’s fourth consecutive year.

              After High School David enrolled at Southern Connecticut State College where he competed during his freshmen and sophomore years.  In his sophomore year he qualified for the NCAA Division II National’s.  David graduated in 1967 with a degree in Education.

              David spent his entire professional career as a teacher, swim coach, and administrator.  While a teacher of Special Education at Cranston West High School David served as a volunteer assistant swim coach with RIAHOF Inductee Jim hLynch.  David coached in the Chicopee, MA school system for many years and retired as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Regional School District in Palmer, MA

              David now resides in Belchertown, MA and is the father of three children and has three grandchildren.  He is the brother of RIAHOF Inductee Ronald Andersen.