JOHN “SANDY” GORHAM

1994 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

John has had an outstanding career swimming for East Providence High School. He was a Journal Bulletin All-State selection in his Sophomore and Junior years in the 400 yard freestyle relay and in his senior year in the 200 yard medley relay. While at EP, he received numerous honors, principally the Charles Bentley Award as Outstanding Athlete of the Year in his junior and senior years.

He taught swimming and advanced lifesaving from 1972 to 1974. He helped establish the RI Girls’ All State team and girls’ State Championship meet. He has been the executive director of the Kendbrin Swim Club since 1990 and the Aquatic director at EP Senior High since 1992.

John has coached some of the state’s finest swimmers. He was head coach at the Sowams Swim Club from 1970 to 1983, and at the Barrington YMCA from 1976 to 1983. His East Bay Aquatic Club, which he has coached since 1990, has won the RI Junior League championships in 1991, and 1993, and the RI and Mass. League (RIMA) championship in 1993.

As head coach at Barrington High from 1973 to 1990, John’s teams have won 9 division championships, 3 Rhode Island Interscholastic League State championships, and has a Won-Loss record of 186-34.

His professionalism is reflected in active membership in many organizations. He belonged to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association and is the President of the Narragansett Swim League. He served the RI Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association as Secretary/Treasurer from 1982 to 1984, and President from 1984 to 1986. He belongs to the American Swim Coaches Association and is an active member of the American Red Cross and continues his involvement in lifeguarding, CPR, and WSI. He also is a Water Safety Survival Instructor for the USMC.