JOHN T. O’NEILL
1994 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
John’s achievements began with the Abbott Run Valley Club team where he won various championships in the Narragansett Swim League. He swam year round, at the Cumberland-Lincoln Boys’ Club and for Cumberland High School. He earned Providence Journal Bulletin All State honors three years in the 100 yard butterfly and as part of Cumberland’s New England Champion Medley Relay team. At Springfield College John was a member of the Varsity Swim Team and a significant contributor to their very successful program.
Head Coach at Providence College since 1984, John’s athletes have won individual Big East Conference, New England and National Catholic titles. His 1993 women’s team won the New England Championship. Honors include being named 1988 Women’s Big East Coach of the Year, the 1992 National Catholic Women’s Coach of the Year, and 1990, 1992, and 1993 New England Women’s Coach of the Year.
John’s club coaching career began in Springfield with the Sunrise Swim Club, after which he began a long association with the Little Rhody Aquatic Club. Currently, he works with swimmers of all ages with the Providence Aquatic Club and serves as Camp Director for the successful Providence Swim Club.
He has served as Meet Director of both the National Catholic Championships and the New England Intercollegiate Championships, as well as many USS Championships. He is the Co-Founder of the RI Invitational, a meet co-sponsored by the RIAHOF.
At Providence College he has been an active member of the College community, serving as the first president of the Professional Staff Council, and as a member of the College President’s Council on Administration. He is a member of the Athletes Seeking Assistance Core-Committee and founded the Varsity Athletics Captains Club.
He is Past-President of both the New England Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Associations and has served as Secretary for the National Catholic Swimming and Diving Association. Currently, he is the Big
East Conference Coaches representative.
In 1993, John co-wrote and produced the video, TAKE YOUR MARK! A PARENT’S GUIDE TO COMPETITIVE AGE GROUP SWIMMING, which is currently on sale nationwide.