Wednesday, February 26, 2020

ISHOF Honoree Aaron Peirsol stops by to check out the ISHOF construction!






Look who stopped by for a "swim"! 3x Olympian and ISHOF Honoree Aaron Piersol! Aaron tried out some "backstroke" in the pool at the aquatic complex 😂. Come back in 2021 when the new pools will be ready to go! ⠀

Backstroking god
A Room with A View



And so the Construction continues................

Monday, February 24, 2020

Tiffany Cohen Lalonde’s Son Daniel Diagnosed With Cancer: Fighting Fund Launched

by CRAIG LORD - SWIMMING WORLD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
22 February 2020, 11:47am
tiffanycohenlalondedanielappeal
Tiffany Cohen Lalonde, the 1984 Olympic 400 and 800m freestyle champion, has launched a gofundme campaign in support of her son Daniel, who was diagnosed this month with a rare form of cancer called Acinic Cell Carcinoma and located in his Parotid Gland.
The swimming community and others have already started to respond with acts of kindness, the donations now close to 30% of target.
Since launching the plea, Cohen, who was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1996, updated Daniel’s gofundme page with the following message:
“It is with gratitude I share this exciting news. We are just $25 shy of achieving 30% to our fundraising goal. The heartfelt support and generous donations that have come in so for Daniel strengthens our resolve. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts.
Daniel is meeting with his PCP for clearance and the plastic surgeon to discuss plans for reconstruction this week.
We will continue to keep you posted.
Warmest Regards from the Cohen Adams Lalonde family.
Cohen’s original note last week explained:
Tiffany-Cohen-3
Tiffany Cohen – Photo Courtesy: ISHOF
“My beloved son Daniel, who is just 21 years, old received frightening news this past week that he has a rare form of cancer located in his Parotid Gland called Acinic Cell Carcinoma.
“Daniel just started a new job at Lowe’s and is planning to go to college in the Fall. He is a loving son, a brother to Chloe and Alexa, and a dear friend to others. He is very smart and has an amazing heart. Daniel has his entire life ahead of him. He is a fighter and is determined to kick cancer’s butt!
“Daniel will need to attend several doctors’ appointments and undergo surgery to remove his entire Parotid Gland. He will also need plastic surgery to repair the hole in his head and neck left from the excision. Depending on the results of the scans and post-surgical tissue sampling, there is a strong possibility that Daniel will have to undergo radiation therapy as well.
“We are currently without personal transportation and rely on public transportation to get around. Without other family in the immediate area, I will have to take time off from work so I can support Daniel as he goes through this battle. It is unlikely that Daniel’s health insurance will be able to cover the majority of the upcoming costs for his medical treatment. Your donations will be used to help us with costs for transportation, medical bills, and any unforeseen expenses that may arise.
“If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please share this page with your friends and families. We are also looking for anyone in the immediate area to watch over our little 13-year-old poodle, Peaches, during any upcoming overnight stays at the hospital. Rides are always appreciated as well. We can’t thank you enough and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to donate, share, and support us during this time. We will keep everyone updated on how Daniel is doing in the upcoming weeks.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

ISHOF Curator, Bob Duenkel to be inducted into ISHOF Class of 2020 as Honor Contributor

Bob Duenkel’s greatest contribution to swimming, was his 40+ years of dedication and service to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which he began in 1976. As ISHOF CEO, Buck Dawson’s assistant, he absorbed the history of swimming like a sponge, and not just from Dawson, but from the real greats, like Johnny Weissmuller, Eleanor Holm, Buster Crabbe, Esther Williams and many, many more.
Bob_Duenkel_Canada_Day
Bob Duenkel on Canada Day
Duenkel’s knowledge of swimming history was encyclopedic. He studied and knew all the minutiae of swimming and swimmers, from the ancient Greek swimmer Leander to the most recent inductee, every Olympiad, every event, every time and every stroke.
Come and hear Duenkel’s incredible life story and commitment to aquatics history at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Become an ISHOF Legacy Member and attend the ISHOF Induction Dinner for FREE. Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF, support Duenkel and our other inspirational Honorees.
Bob_Duenkel_Michael_Phelps
Bob Duenkel with Olympian Michael Phelps at the International Swimming Hall of Fame

More about Bob Duenkel:

Bob Duenkel was the ISHOF museum curator and presided over 40 years of ISHOF Induction ceremonies. From 2004-2005 he served as interim CEO and Executive Director until his retirement in 2016. For any visitor to ISHOF, Duenkel was an invaluable resource, always there to tell a story, clarify any facts or just to toss off a quip or two. He made a wonderful ambassador of ISHOF to any and every event he attended, whether it was the NCAA’s, Olympic Trials or the Association of Sports Museums and Hall of Fame, Duenkel was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Bob_Duenkel_Hall_of_Fame
Bob Duenkel speaking at the International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
He was given the Glenn Hummer Award in 1997 by USA Swimming.  In 1997, he was named one of “Who’s Who in Aquatics” by Aquatics International Magazine.  He was inducted into the West Orange (NJ) Hall of Fame in 2018, and that same year, he was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
Bob_Duenkel_Hall_of_Fame_Podium
Bob Duenkel speaking outside the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

About the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend:

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be a star-studded weekend with ISHOF Honoree and Sullivan Award Winner, Debbie Meyer, and double Olympic gold-medalist and everyone’s favorite Olympic swimming broadcaster, Rowdy Gaines acting as co-emcees and hosts of the induction with multiple events spread out over two days in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of April 24-25, 2020!  ISHOF Members can purchase the Complete Weekend Package (see below) and save! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
HONOR DIVER: Matthew Mitcham (AUS)
HONOR SYNCHRONIZED (ARTISTIC) SWIMMER: Elvira Khasyanova (RUS)
HONOR WATER POLO: Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON)
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Marilyn Bell (CAN)
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Duenkel*(USA) and Peter Hürzeler (SUI)
In addition to the Class of 2020, two Honorees from the Class of 2019, who were unable to attend last year, will be present to be inducted. Honor Swimmer: Otylia Jedrzejczak (POL) and Honor Diver: Li Ting (CHN).
Get more information about this year’s induction class here and more information about Otylia Jedrzejczak and Li Ting.
*deceased

The Induction Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 24, 2020
Paragon & ISHOF Awards Night
  • 5:30 pm Cocktails
  • 6:30 pm ISHOF and Paragon Awards
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon – Meet Rowdy Gaines and go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquatic Complex construction
  • 12-1:30 pm Luncheon
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
  • 5:30 pm VIP Reception
  • 6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner

Ticket Information


Hotel Information

Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $279 per night
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $279 rate

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Former Navy Diving Coach Joe Suriano Passes Away

ANNAPOLIS, Md. –– Joe Suriano, who served as the Navy diving coach and a physical education instructor at the USNA for 35 years, passed away this week in Annapolis.

A celebration of his life will be held Sat., Feb. 15, from 4-6 p.m. in Lejeune Hall with a reception to follow.  Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance via this LINK.

The Suriano family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Joe's name to the Navy men's swimmingwomen's swimming or diving programs.

"During my tenure as Athletic Director," said Chet Gladchuk, who has been in his position since 2001, "Joe was as fine a coach, educator, person, and leader we have had within the physical mission.  He embraced and inspired everyone with his wonderful personality and devotion to the development and leadership of our midshipmen.  He was immeasurably respected by all.  When he spoke, it was always insightful and influential in a very constructive and meaningful way. I enjoyed his sense of humor and always appreciated his determination to put forth our absolute best effort in every competition.  Joe was a winner who always portrayed and personified the will to win.  He was a benchmark for achievement in the sport and one of the greatest ever at Navy.  We are devastated by the loss of this wonderful man."

Long respected as one of the top diving coaches in the country, Suriano saw 12 of his divers qualify for 22 NCAA Division I Championship meets and earn 15 All-America accolades in his tenure.  Bill McCormick '86 and Nate Smith '96 each advanced to the NCAA Championship in all four of their respective seasons.  Prior to the Navy women's program joining the Division I ranks in the 1991-92 season, his divers earned 15 NCAA Division II All-America certificates. This list of honorees includes Stacia Johnson '92, who won the 1991 NCAA Division II title on the three-meter board.

"I had the opportunity to train under Joe as a Midshipman at the Naval Academy from 1982 to 1986," said McCormick. "With the new LeJeune Hall training facility and a developing program, we worked hard to put Navy on the map as a premiere swimming and diving program.  Joe's leadership and unmatched work ethic were the key.  Joe's mantra was, 'be enthusiastic, be on time, and give 100%.'  Joe always gave 100% of himself to develop the growing brood of student athletes and keep us on the path to success.  His persistent positive attitude and subtle corrections to the perfection minded divers gave us the winning edge.  I must have heard 'good dive' half a million times.  Our frequent bus trips to away swim meets were a welcome escape from Midshipman life in Bancroft Hall, which also gave Joe and swimming coaches Lee Laurence and John Havlik a chance to drop their guard and hang out with the boys.  Joe occasionally had us over to his house on the weekends and I enjoyed spending time with Patty and Michael.  Joe often took us sailing on his orange Hobie 16 with his ever present cooler of libations in a specially designed rack.  Our swimming background paid off one day when the summer wind died and we had to paddle home like a surfer laying on hulls.  Joe made a profound impression on a me as a skinny, young diver from Wisconsin.  He gave me the opportunity to prove myself and made the difficult times seem fun. It was a blessing to have him in my life and I'm a better man to have known him.  Stay strong Patty, Michael and Doug; you are in my prayers."

Additionally, his divers totaled 27 Patriot League, 17 Eastern Swimming League and eight Colonial Athletic Association individual event titles, as well as 14 Patriot League Diver-of-the-Meet honors. This includes the 2007 and '08 Patriot League Championship meets when his divers combined to sweep all four boards both years.

Suriano himself was recognized as the Patriot League Coach of the Year four times and as the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in 1991.

"Joe Suriano's arrival was one of the best things to happen to Navy swimming and diving," said Lee Lawrence who, as Navy's swimming coach, shared the pool deck with Suriano for a quarter of a century.  "He helped bring new respect on a national level to the program with the performances of his divers at major meets.  Away from competition, we shared a countless number of bus rides and dinners together during which each one of us gave the other as much grief as possible.  I'm really speechless on his passing."

"Joe Suriano was and always will be a Navy coaching legend," said current Navy men's swimming head coach Bill Roberts.  "He was able to achieve so much together with his athletes during his time as our diving coach.  He built the Navy diving camp into an incredible experience for so many young divers, which was highlighted by a very spirited and well choreographed show at the end of each camp week.  He also spent hours on deck teaching and working with Midshipmen as a tenured professor in the physical education department.  He had an incredible impact on many people during his decades in Annapolis.

"Personally for me, as a young assistant who arrived here in 1997 through our final days on deck together coaching and teaching, Joe, along with his wife Patty, went above and beyond with their support for myself and my family.  I cannot put into words how saddened we are and how much we will miss him."

"We at the Naval Academy and myself personally are saddened by the passing of Joe," said Navy women's swimming head coach John Morrison.  "As one of the most respected diving coaches in the country, Joe set the standard for those in our program to always strive for excellence beyond what they thought possible.  More importantly, he mentored all of his student-athletes and the coaches he worked with to be great human beings.  His charismatic teaching and coaching style brought levity to an often stressful environment.  Our community will miss Joe daily, but our memories of his kindheartedness and passion to serve others will never be forgotten."

On the national and international levels, Suriano was named an International Olympic Committee diving expert in 1985 and conducted a 21-day clinic for 30 diving coaches in New Delhi, India.  In 1994, he was named an official and an assistant diving coach for U.S. Diving at the Dive Canada International Championships.  He served as an official in 1995 at the World University Games in Fukouka, Japan, and at the World Military Games in Rome, Italy, later that year.  He also served as a diving coach at two U.S. Diving National Training Camps and was named to the 1995-96 U.S. Diving national coaching staff.  Suriano directed the American diving team at the 1999 World Military Games in Zagreb, Croatia, then completed a term as the chairman of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Sub-Committee in the fall of 2001.

"Joe was very much respected in the swimming and diving community," said current Navy diving coach Rich MacDonald.  "I personally had so much respect for him as a coach and, more importantly, for the man he was.  Taking over his program that he built over the years was a tremendous honor and something I keep on a grand pedestal of accomplishments in my career.  At just about every competition I have gone to since taking over here at Navy, the opposing coaches would ask how Joe doing in retirement.  It was always followed by stories, love and laughter.  I know those stories will live on for many, many years, as will the love and laughter. I know that Patty, Michael, Doug and the rest of Joe's family are devastated, as we all are. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. RIP Joe."

Suriano arrived at Navy in the summer of 1978 after previous stops as the head coach at Eastern Michigan (1971-72) and Vanderbilt (1972-78). He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan in 1970 and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan in 1978.

"The U.S. Naval Academy is a powerful school that has the ability to open many doors," said Suriano in announcing his retirement in May 2013. "It has provided me with the opportunity and pleasure of working with past and present leaders and heroes of our military. I remember working with midshipmen who are now admirals.  Winning in diving has always been very important. But it is how you go about striving for and attaining those wins -- maintaining respect for both our sport and our opponents while remembering we are always representing the Navy Academy -- that is truly important to all of us at Navy. That is one of the many reasons why I have been so proud to have coached here."

US Olympic Coach David Marsh to be Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as part of Class of 2020

David Marsh is the Head Coach of Team Elite Aquatics, located in San Diego, California. Marsh was the 2016 Head U.S. Olympic Women’s Swim Coach in Rio, leading Team USA to the most medals in USA Swimming’s already storied history.
david-marsh-rick-demont-2015-fina-world-championships
Photo Courtesy: Maria Dobysheva
Under Marsh’s leadership, Team USA dominated the swimming competition in Rio with a final medal haul of eight gold, four silver and four bronze. His Team Elite club placed more U.S. Olympians than any program in the country, six, with Kathleen BakerCammile Adams, co-captain Anthony ErvinJimmy FeigenRyan Lochte and Katie Meili all earning gold medals. If Team Elite were a country, they would have placed third in the 2016 Rio Olympics medal standings.
Dave Marsh with members of Team USA
David Marsh and Members of Team USA with their medals
Come and meet Marsh in person and hear his incredible life story at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Become an ISHOF Legacy Member and attend the ISHOF Induction Dinner for FREE. Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF, support Marsh and our other inspirational Honorees.

More about David Marsh:

Prior to founding Team Elite, Marsh was the men’s and women’s swimming coach at Auburn University. Marsh led the men’s team to seven NCAA national championships (1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and the women’s team to five national championships (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007). Marsh is the most successful Auburn coach regardless of sport and he is arguably the most successful in the state of Alabama and the SEC. Marsh’s 12 NCAA titles surpass the six won by football coach Bear Bryant at Alabama. Marsh has won 17 SEC titles (13 men and 4 women), by far the most of any Auburn coach or team. In 2003 he led both the men’s and women’s teams to a sweep of the NCAA titles, a first in collegiate Swimming and Diving. Marsh and the Tigers went on to repeat this accomplishment three more times (2004, 2006, and 2007).
david-marsh-team-elite
Photo Courtesy: Lee & London Public Relations
Marsh has coached 49 Olympians from 19 different countries. His swimmers have combined to win 89 individual NCAA titles and 277 individual SEC titles.

About the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend:

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be a star-studded weekend with ISHOF Honoree and Sullivan Award Winner, Debbie Meyer, and double Olympic gold-medalist and everyone’s favorite Olympic swimming broadcaster, Rowdy Gaines acting as co-emcees and hosts of the induction with multiple events spread out over two days in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of April 24-25, 2020!  ISHOF Members can purchase the Complete Weekend Package (see below) and save! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
HONOR DIVER: Matthew Mitcham (AUS)
HONOR SYNCHRONIZED (ARTISTIC) SWIMMER: Elvira Khasyanova (RUS)
HONOR WATER POLO: Mirko Vičević (YUG)
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Marilyn Bell (CAN)
HONOR COACH: Ursula Carlile (AUS) and David Marsh (USA)
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Duenkel*(USA) and Peter Hürzeler (SUI)
In addition to the Class of 2020, two Honorees from the Class of 2019, who were unable to attend last year, will be present to be inducted. Honor Swimmer: Otylia Jedrzejczak (POL) and Honor Diver: Li Ting (CHN).
Get more information about this year’s induction class here and more information about Otylia Jedrzejczak and Li Ting.
*deceased

The Induction Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 24, 2020
Paragon & ISHOF Awards Night
  • 5:30 pm Cocktails
  • 6:30 pm ISHOF and Paragon Awards
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon – Meet Rowdy Gaines and go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquatic Complex construction
  • 12-1:30 pm Luncheon
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
  • 5:30 pm VIP Reception
  • 6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner

Ticket Information


Hotel Information

Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $279 per night
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $279 rate

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367