DONALD E. McGOWAN

2005 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Don became involved with competitive swimming as a youngster at the Olneyville Boys’ Club. He started his career as a swim official in 1968, when his son, David, joined the Cranston Swim Club. He officiated numerous swim meets in the Rhode Island Junior League, and he was instrumental in organizing the Cranston YMCA-Swim Team Boosters in 1970. This group provided support for the new swim team at the YMCA, coached by Paul Rossi.

 Don became a R.I. Interscholastic Swim Official in 1972, officiating high school dual and championship meets for 31 years. He served on the Assignment Committee for the R.I. Interscholastic Swim Officials for 13 years. He also officiated at the prep school and college level; as well as the Special Olympics swim meets in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Don was named an Honorary Life Member of the R.I. Interscholastic Swimming Officials in 2003.

On the college level, he was part of the officiating crew that participated in the Division Ill New England Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships, held at the University of Massachusetts pool in Dartmouth, MA, in 1980, 1983 and 1986. He received an award in 2001 from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, along with two other officials, for 25 years of Swim Officiating Service for the college.

Don received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association in 1990, and in 1991 he was presented the Joseph L. Tracey Award for Outstanding Contributions to Interscholastic Swimming.

Donald is retired, and he and his wife, Barbara, reside in Cranston, RI.