ROY WATMOUGH

1981 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Roy began his career in aquatics as a competitive swimmer in 1925.  At the time his brother, Joe, became director of the Olneyville Boys’ Club Pool, in 1930, Roy assisted him by coaching the Junior team.  Roy’s ability as a swim coach led him to the swim director’s job at the Wanskuck Boys Club in 1941.  A host of champions were developed:  Joe Prata, Ed Nista, Dick Fadgen, the Senior Sisters, and Kerry Donovan…were just a few.  Roy was selected by the United States Army and the Providence College faculty at the beginning of World War II to train soldiers, boarding at the college, in swimming, lifesaving, and water safety.  He became the swim coach at LaSalle Academy in 1943, and in 1952 was named the Aquatic Director and Coach of East Providence High School, until his retirement in 1977.  His swim teams were a dominant force in R.I. Interscholastic Swimming.  Roy has received the Boys’ Club of America Bronze Keystone Award, and a special citation from former Governor John O. Pastore for exceptional service to the state in the aquatic field.  He has served on the Water Safety Committee of the Providence Red Cross, has served as President of the New England Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association, and has received the Joseph Tracey Award from the Rhode Island Interscholastic Officials Association.