LEONARD THOMAS GATH

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Len started his career as a diver at the Olneyville Boys’ Club under coach Joe Watmough in 1935.  He was the R.I. Boys’ Club diving champion and New England Boys Club diving champion from 1936 through 1941.

Len competed for Central High School in the New England Interscholastic Championship, and was undefeated during his entire three years of high school competition.

He was A.A.U. diving champion in Rhode Island from 1936 to 1941.  In World War II Len served in the Navy.  

Len entered Bowdoin College after the service, and placed in the top three in the New Intercollegiate Diving Championships during 1947 through 1949.  He was Co-Captain of the Bowdoin team in 1949.  During this time he taught Red Cross Water Safety in Brunswick and Freeport, Maine.

In 1950 and 1951 he was diving coach at Indiana University, and in 1958 he became diving coach at the State University College, Cortland, New York.  From 1958 through 1965 Len coached at Cortland YMCA as well as A.A.U. swimming teams in Cortland.

He has been a member of the New York State Swimming Officials Association for over 25 years.

From 1960 to the present time, Len has taught Water Safety for the American Red Cross.

From 1858 until his retirement in 1983, Len was a Professor of Health and Safety at the State University of New York in Cortland.