EDWARD M. GOLDEN

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

It has been mentioned many times by a number of swimming authorities in and out of the state, that Ed accomplished as much or more in his comparatively short 10 year coaching career as any coach up to his time.

Never a competitive swimmer, but well know as a coach, official, and participant in tennis, track, baseball, and basketball, Ed was asked in 1956 to coach the then comparatively new Cranston High swimming team.

In quest of knowledge in his new endeavor, Ed approached some of the old timers in swim coaching for information, which was willingly given by such notables as Max Read, Joe Watmough, and “Bud” Latham.

Ed attended clinics at Yale University, where the latest methods of swim coaching were discussed.

Using these new ideas, he started a  junior high program, which was to be the “farm” system” for his high school team.  During the summer months he ran a recreation program at his school pool, with time set aside for an age group competitive team.  It could truly be said that Cranston had its own “home grown teams.”  

Three years later his 1958-1959 Cranston High team shocked the state high school swim powers by winning the first of 7 consecutive state swimming titles.  They were undefeated in 110 dual meets during this 7 year span.

That same year his team won the first of 4 consecutive New England Interscholastic titles – a record which still stands.

Also that same year, Ed’s team won the first of 4 consecutive Brown Interscholastic championships, with his team winning the championship once again in his final season of coaching in 1964.

During this 7 year span, Cranston High also won the Meehan Memorial meet  on 5 occasions.

According to Ed’s former swimmers, while some of his success could be attributed to his use of the latest techniques, not to be overlooked – and possibly of even more importance – was his overwhelming driving type personality and enthusiasm which motivated his swimmers.

Ed’s former swimmers point out the influence he had on their future lives, as evident in how many continued on into college on partial or full swim scholarships.  Ed contacted over 400 colleges who had swimming teams, and had a file on the requirements, scholarships, etc. available to not only his swimmers, but to numbers of swimmers from rival high school teams who were looking for colleges to attend.

Ed was Past President of the R.I. Swimming Coaches and Officials Association, and he received the Joseph L. Tracey Award in 1981 for his outstanding contribution to competitive swimming in Rhode Island.