KERRY M. DONOVAN

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Kerry Donovan started his outstanding swimming career under Roy Watmough at the Wanskuck Boys’ Club, and he quickly established himself as an age group champion in various events and distances, especially in the freestyle sprints.  He was undefeated during his high school career at LaSalle Academy, setting a national schoolboy record in the 200 yard freestyle in 1949.  During this same year, he was named New England A.A.U. swimmer of the year.

While swimming for LaSalle Academy, he was undefeated in the New England Interscholastic Championship meets and the Brown Interscholastic Swim meets.  In 1950 Kerry was named the R.I. Schoolboy Athlete of the Year.

He continued his swimming career at Exeter Academy, where he again gained prep-school All-American honors, getting prep school national records in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events.  In 1952, he was a member of the 300 meter medley relay team which set world records, and in 1955, as a member of the Yale 400 yard freestyle relay, a NCAA national record was set, as well as the world record.

Kerry was named to the All-American NCAA Intercollegiate team while competing for Yale.