Screen Shot 2022-06-14 at 2.04_edited.jpg

Pool of Fame

2024 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2024.

Builder: DANNY SCHILDS

A long time ago in a small town far, far away, a 12 year old boy was convinced by a friend to join his local swim club. Danny Schilds joined the Dawson Creek club (then called the Whirlwinds, with the name changing to the Seals that season) in 1969 to travel and see exotic places, like Hudson's Hope. He swam at his first provincial championships that year in Empire Pool at UBC. In 1970, he started junior coaching and throughout the early and mid-seventies was a multiple provincial medalist. The summer of 1975 saw him coaching and managing the pool in Hudson's Hope. From 1976-1985, Danny was the head coach in Dawson Creek and was the Provincial coaches rep for some of that time. Following his time as head coach, he held various positions on the Provincial board, working alongside his friend and mentor Ian Allen, until 1994. Starting in 1995, he stepped into the role of swim dad, which continued until 2008. Throughout that time he was also an official and local board member. Danny kept his feet wet by coaching the local adult group and the Seals' winter maintenance at various times. In 2008 he was reelected to the Provincial board where he was Vice President then President until 2022.

For 48 of the 55 years Danny has been in the swimming world, his girlfriend (now wife) Kerry has been by his side, thinking it was going to be a phase and she would get a summer vacation somewhere other than a pool at some point. Passing the torch to the next generation, his oldest son, and look-alike, Joshua, was assistant coach 2004-2005. His daughter, and favourite, Tove, was assistant coach in 2010 then head coach 2011-2012, and 2014-2017, with Danny acting as a mentor coach under/for Tove and the team. His youngest son, "Dean's List" Graydon, was more interested in playing music, but did swim with the club again in 2015/16. In 2018, Danny stepped back into the head coach position of the Seals where he continues to find enjoyment coaching generation after generation (after generation). His newest (and favourite) role is Grandad, which finds him off the deck and in the water with his grandkids, and his grandkids on deck, helping "Dandad".

Builder: SHANNON SULLIVAN

Shannon Sullivan was born and raised in Coquitlam. Her involvement in Diving as an athlete began with the Coquitlam Sharks of the BC Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA) at the age of 9 and quickly progressed to BC Diving. She was a member of the Canadian National Dive Team from 1996 to 2001 where she competed on the National and International stage for Canada.

Shannon taught Learn to Dive (LTD) programs at every Coquitlam pool that had diving boards from 1994 to 2006. In 1998 she developed the curriculum for the Coquitlam Learn to Dive Program for coaches and divers. She has life guarded at every Coquitlam indoor and outdoor pool including Blue Junior, Mackin Park and, when it first opened, CCAC.

In 1994 she began her coaching career with the Sharks. She coached with the club until 2001 and then came back as a Coach Mentor in 2006, a role she continued until 2021. She started the Sharks Master Diving program and created the club’s winter maintenance program. In her time with BCSSA she has also coached for the Burnaby Barracudas and North Van Cruisers, has been a Coach Mentor for the Sharks and other BCSSA clubs from 2006 to the present day, has served on the Provincial Board of Directors as Dive Director, and has been a Judge, Chief Judge and organizer for countless Coquitlam, Regional and Provincial Dive Meets. She has attended every BCSSA Provincial Championship Meet since 1993 as a coach, judge, chief judge or meet manager. In many instances she has performed multiple rolls. For many years she has been the heart and soul of diving in BCSSA.

Shannon has been an active member of BC Diving, the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) of springboard and platform diving for the Province, for over 30 years. She is a Master Facilitator for the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). In this roll she has taught NCCP coaching courses across the province, from Coquitlam to the Island, Kamloops, Prince George, Dawson Creek to Fort St. John for both BCSSA and BC Diving. These courses are geared towards starting and continuing diving programs, training and assessing instructor competency to coach diving, and providing resources and support for dive coaches. In 2009 she created BC Diving’s Implementation Plan for Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development Model. In 2013 she wrote the Talent ID Program which described how to recognize talent in diving athletes. This document was used to highlight and identify athletes who had the potential to becoming World and Olympic medalists.

Shannon has coached athletes from all corners of British Columbia, many of whom have competed and medaled at NCAA and NAIA university competitions as well as BCSSA and BC Diving competitions. She is a Certified Coach Evaluator, certified to evaluate coaches at the Competition Introduction level and Nationally certified to teach the Instruction Beginner Course, which is the Nationally certified course that teaches coaches Diving Canada’s Learn to Dive Program. She is a Provincial Level 2 Judge, qualified to judge all provincial level and BCSSA events, and has been a BC Games coach and judge since 1994.

Shannon was a member of BC Diving’s Board of Directors from 2009 to 2012 and again from 2015 to the present day. She played an integral part in the development of the BC Diving Strategic Plan. In 2019 she received the prestigious Sport BC President’s Award. This award recognizes the significant role volunteers who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give their sport organizations.

2023 Inductee

**Please note that this inductee write-up was written in 2022.

Competitor: NATHAN STEIN

Photo credit: Scott Grant

Nathan Stein participated in multiple sports growing up. He got his swimming start with the Haney Neptunes in 1999 and achieved his first Regional Record in the 100 Free (Mission) and his first BCSSA Provincial medal in 2001 in Trail. He also branched off and tried water polo, a sport he loved and in which he eventually became a National Referee.

Unfortunately, at age 12, Nathan broke his knee while playing on a Provincial U12 soccer team and this meant no more impact sports for him - no more running or jumping. That’s when swimming became his full-time passion.

Then, when he was 15, during some dry land work he really shouldn’t be doing, he felt his knee snap and he was unable to bend his knee at all. It turned out that the bottom of his femur had broken off and was stuck in the joint. Many scopes and surgeries followed, but Nathan never gave up on his swimming and this is when he met Coach Reg Shaw. Reg had Nathan evaluated as a para swimmer in May of 2009 and as an experienced para coach, he knew how to advise Nathan and knew what to expect from Para-swimming. By December 2009 Nathan was at the Short Course World Championships.

His accomplishment include:

•2012 Paralympic silver 50 free Canadian record 23.58

•2014 Para Pan Pac gold 100 fly record 57.77/ silver 100 free 52.86 record/ Canadian male Para swimmer of the year

•2015 Para Pan-Ams 4 silver 2 bronze.

•4-time BC Para swimmer of the year

•Canadian 50 fly record 26.79

All these records still stand under the s10 classification.

Beyond his personal achievements, Nathan found no greater pride than by giving back to the sport and the Clubs that got him started by returning to coaching Summer Swimming.

The Haney Neptunes are family, and with them he is home.

Photo credit: Scott Grant

2022 Inductee

**Please note that this inductee write-up was written in 2022.

Competitor: GARRETT (BUZZ) MALLENDER

buzz-mallender-pacific-swim-academy-vancouver-swimming-lessons-club-school.jpg

Buzz started as a swimmer with the North Shore Winter Club Marlins team in 2001, at the age of 5. He started coaching in 2015 and coached for 6 years.

Buzz has earned 39 BCSSA Provincial medals in individual events: 19 Gold, 9 Silver, and 9 Bronze. He has broken 7 Provincial records and still holds 3 of them today.

Buzz competed for the UVic Vikings swim team while completing a BSc in Kinesiology. During his time in University, he competed at the University National Championships and the Canadian Olympic / World Championship Trials. After competitive swimming, Buzz changed his passion to coaching, helping the future generations of swimmers achieve their goals. He coached with the NSWC Marlins both as an Assistant Coach and Head Coach.

Buzz's love of swimming, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge of sport helps him bring out the best in every swimmer.

2019 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2019.

Builder: BARRY PARISH

Barry has a long history of serving the overall swimming community. He was skeptical about swimming when his kids first expressed an interest as it looked at if the time commitment would take away from family camping trips. Once his kids were hooked on swimming, Barry jumped in as well. His contributions include:

Coquitlam Sharks executive board starting in the mid-1980’s
Simon Fraser Regional Director of Officials 1987 – 1993
Simon Fraser Regional Director 1993 – 2000
Served on Provincial Board Rules Committee to meld FINA rules with BCSSA
Served on numerous “S” and “O” for the provincial board
Lead the BCSSA involvement in the Northern BC Games
Leader with Special Olympics Swim in BC for many years
Senior Official with Swim BC
On the Swim BC Official Committee
Coordinator, Meet Manager and Chief Referee for all levels of BC High School swim meets
Meet Manager of BC 55+ Games in Burnaby 2012 and Coquitlam 2016
Inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame in the Builder category for Aquatics
Began the Jason Parish Memorial Scholarship Award in 1992 which continues to present

Barry tirelessly works to bring BCSSA, Swim BC, Special Olympics and high schools swimmers and officials together. He promotes cooperation amongst organizations and goes out of his way to make all groups feel equal at meets and events.

Builder: JEFF WONG

Like most swim parents, Jeff signed his kids up for summer swimming without knowing what affect it would have on his life or how his involvement would affect summer swimming. Seeing the positive impact swimming had on his family, he quickly stepped forward to volunteer. He became an excellent volunteer, going above and beyond for summer swimming. He is one of the first to arrive and last to leave on each swim meet day. He quickly showed a proficiency for the electronics aspects.

In the weeks leading up to the meet for his home club, the North Shore Winter Club Marlins, Jeff would build the meet, and then ensured that the entries were completed without any errors. He takes great pride in ensuring that the electronics run smoothly, he is a first class professional. In a sport where the difference between first and second can be a hundredth of a second, Jeff Wong values the data and ensures that the results are absolutely accurate.

He became an asset to the electronics for all of the Vancouver District. He sat on the Executive for Vancouver District for at least 15 years. For over 18 years, long after his kids had stopped competing, he continued to manage the results, care for the electronic equipment, and create the meets for Regionals, the Marlins meets, the Vikings meets, and the Hootenanny. The last two meets often have over 700 swimmers. The Vancouver District Region would be lost without Jeff’s contributions. Because of Jeff, the meets in V&D region run smoothly – rarely having issues with electronics when he is behind the console.

Beyond just being there running the meets, Jeff has been a willing volunteer to help train new parents - not just within the V&D region, but he has offered help, training and his best practices to clubs all across the province. He has worked with the provincial board to ensure that we are constantly improving how we report and run meets and providing thoughtful feedback and ideas. Jeff epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism. Jeff brings credibility to the results, and his quiet presence can often go unnoticed, but in the V&D Jeff has made more of an impact than any other volunteer in the last 20 years.

Builder: MICHELLE HIRAOKA

Michelle was a fantastic VP during her time with the Golden Dolphins and cared deeply about her local swimmers, giving her time liberally to help the club. She demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and continues to do her best to help the Golden Dolphins providing opportunities to swim as part of the BCSSA.

Over the many years with the Dolphins, she has ‘seen it all’ with the club, However, she always handled situations with the utmost professionalism and grounded belief in the good of people. It was always about what’s best for the swimmers and she always stayed true to that vision.

Whether it’s been the day-to-day running of the club, helping to organize the annual meet, giving her years of wisdom and experience to a new Board, she does it all with a spring in her step and the love of the BCSSA and the Golden Dolphins shines through.

Even after her swimmers aged out, she continued with her legendary support of the club. She was the go-to person for any and all questions. She helped with certificates, volunteered at the meet, proofread newspaper articles and passionately followed the Dolphins competing at Provincials through the livestream feed.

2013 Inductee

Competitor: BRENT HAYDEN

Brent Hayden began his competitive swimming career at the age of five, with the BCSSA's Mission Marlins. He remained in Mission Marlin for ten years. Brent won his first individual BCSSA Provincial Championship medal in 1999m at the age of 15, in the 100 metre freestyle event.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Brent's athletic achievements are, quite literally, almost too numerous to mention. He became a World Champion in the 100 metre freestyle event (in 2007), and he holds three silver World Championship medals and one bronze World Championship medal.

He was named Canadian Athlete of the Year in 2007, and won a bronze medal for Canada in the 100 metre freestyle event at the 2012 London Olympics.

At the time of his induction into BCSSA's Pool of Fame, Brent was the reigning Commonwealth Champion in the 50 metre and 100 metre freestyle events. He was also the reigning Canadian champion in the 200 metre, 100 metre, and 50 metre events for both short course (25 metre pools) and long course (50 metre pools). Brent's record in the 50 metre short course freestyle event is 21.34 seconds, and his record in the 100 metre short course freestyle event is 46.27 seconds.

Brent has been universally recognized for his dedication, preserverane, and character. He has been, and remains, true to his roots —a supporter and proponent of the BCSSA.

2012 Inductees

Newsmaker: LANDON MCGAULEY

Landon McGauley began his BCSSA career in 2001, at the age of six, as a Division 1 swimmer with the Quesnel Sea Lions. A breast stroke specialist, Landon continued swimming in the BCSSA until 2008, and competed twice at Provincials Championships.

In 2010, at the age of fifteen, Landon sustained a spinal cord injury while mountain biking, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Landon, suddenly confronted with an entirely new set of lifelong challenges, looked forwards, not back. Drawing his inner strength and character, incredible support from his family, and the lessons he learned from his years in the BCSSA, Landon took up the sport of adaptive skiing (also known as "sit-skiing"). Landon set short and long term goals (a skill he had developed in this swimming career) for his new-found sport and applied his energy to attaining those goals.

Linked with the hIgh Five Foundation, Lanon Channelled his impressive spirit and determination into learning the art of sit-skiing and taking his level of performance to a highly-competitive level. Most recently, Landin raced to a third-place finish at the BC Adaptive Skiing Provincial Championships, and he has his eyes set on competing, one day, in the adaptive skiing event at the Paralympics.

Landon's story, and his development in the sport of sit-skiing, has been (and continues to be) prominently documented through the High Fives Foundation. Landon has also taken the time to speak with elementary school groups about how to meet, and overcome obstacles.

Landon has demonstrated the ability to deal with adversity through determination, love of sport and competition, and hard work; attributes and qualities fostered, in part, through his years with the BCSSA.

Builder: TED SLINGER

Ted Slinger started with BCSSA as a parent and a timer with the Port Moody Aquarians. That was before digital watches were available and a steady hand and good eye were required. From timing he moved onto place judging until Dick Gauer (a former Provincial Board Member) recruited Ted to be a stroke and turn judge.

From there it was a short step to starting and reffing. He became a BCSSA Master Official in the mid 80's and a Swim BC Master Official in 1989. In addition to being a mainstay on the deck with BCSSA at club meets, regionals and provincials, Ted has also been the started/ref with SFU swimming since 1988 and continues to officiate at dual meets and invitationals to this day. Ted officiates at many Swim BC meets, the High School meet and he loved to officiate at the Special Olympics more than anything. Ted was the Treasurer and Registrar with PMA and then the President of the club for four years from 1982-1985. He went from there to be Regional Director for Simon Fraser Aquatics Swim Club Parent Society and just this past year was the meet manager for the BC Senior Games.

2005 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2005.

Builder: GUN ODEGARD

(1948 - 1956) was a member of the Swedish National Dive Team, which traveled all over Europe.
(1956) came to Canada —competed nationally in diving.
(1971) started for North Vancouver Recreation Commission as diving instructor and coached the summer diving programme.
(1972 - 1985) was volunteer dive coach for the North Vancouver Cruisers.
(1975) established N.V. Diving as a winter diving programme.
(1982 - 1994) Gun was B.C. Provincial Diving Coordinator.
(1990) She merged N.V. Diving Club and Summer Diving Club to form the N.V. Diving Society, which exists today. Gun is a National Level High Performance Diving Coach.
(2005) She is still an executive of N.V.D.S. and is VD Diving Director

Newsmaker: TRACY WILSON KINSELLA

started with BCSSA in 1967 with Coquitlam Sharks; moved to Port Moody Aquarians in 1970. Her whole family was involved in swimming for years.
Went to provincials 3 times in swimming and also qualified in diving.
Started skating in Coquitlam and then moved to Port Moody Inlet Skating.
Won Bronze Medal at Calgary Olympics with Ice Dance partner Rob McCall.
Has worked for CBC, CBS, NBC, ABC as a skating commenter analyst for all international skating events including Olympics since 1990.
Was chosen as one of the best commentators in U.S.
Is married and has 2 boys in Triple A hockey and a daughter who likes to skate. Are we surprised at their activities!

Congratulations, Tracy!

Competitors: SCOTT PATTERSON

Scott swam for the Richmond Kigoos from age 9-16 (1982)
Qualified for provincials in fly and Freestyle. BCSSA years were wonderful.
He lost both legs in an industrial accident while working at the fish cannery.
His competitiveness still prevailed despite his disabilities. He started competing in triathlons (swim, handcycle, and wheelchairs). he is now on the Canadian National Triathlon Team.
He is also skiing on Canada's National ParaOlympic Team in events— Giant Slalom (Bronze Medal at Salt Lake Olympics), Downhill and Slalom.
Scott will be representing Canada at Turin Winter Olympics—2006.
Prior to Turin he will be competing in France and Austria in October; January 2006 World Cup events in Japan, Korea and Italy before Turin

Pretty hard to keep up with this athlete. Well done, Scott.

2004 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2004.

Builder: TAIMI MCMILLAN

Taimi McMillan began her swimming career with Swim BC. Her introduction to BCSSA was through her life guarding in Hop where Dan Sharrer was Park and Aquatic Director. He was also Head Coach for the Hope Otters and a well-known member of the BCSSA Board of Directors. Taimi also swam for Dan in her early years.

Prior to joining the Coquitlam Sharks as a Coach (from 1989 - 2003), Taimi coached for the Port Moody Aquarians. During her coaching career Taimi continued to swim competitively until 2003 and has always been an inspiration to her swimmers as well as many other competitors.

Throughout her career with BCSSA, Taimi has always been an enthusiastic cheerleader for the organization. She has been a regular speaker at the annual BCSSA Coaches Conference and served as the Provincial Coahes representative at the BCSSA Provincial Board for Directors. Taimi leads by example. She has boundless energy, great management skills and has given great feedback to the countless swimmers she has coached. Taimi has always been respectful of officials yet has expected correct and fair decisions. She was firm when needed with overzealous parents, compassionate with swimmers— disappointments and level-headed with their success. Taimi doesn't just build swimmers, she builds people. Individuals come away from Taimi knowing that she cares about them, and not what they can do. This is a person that the BCSSA and especially the Coquitlam Sharks can be proud of. Taimi leads by example, a true leader.

Newsmaker: GRANT CONNELL

Although Grant is known in Canada for Tennis, some of his athletic roots came from success with the B.C. Summer Swimming Association, such as the following:

Gold Medal in the 8& Under Medly Relay (1973 Provincials)
Gold Medal in the 8& Under Free Relay (1974 Provincials)
Gold Medal in Breaststroke (1976 Provincials)
Gold Medal in 200 Medly Relay (1978 Provincials)
Gold Medal in 200 Free Relay (1980 Provincials)

Grant became a world-class professional athlete, twice holding the #1 rank in doubles tennis in the world. His reputation has remained impeccable and he loves his local community of North Vancouver. At age fifteen (15) he was introduced to Tennis at the North Shore Winter Club. Grant won a scholarship to Texas A&M, and after Grant's second year as all American, he left college to join the Canadian Tennis Team. In 1987 he has a 2nd place finish on the Belgian Satellite Tour, He almost gave up on his goal. However, he returned home and although he found success in singles, he fared very well in doubles with his partner Glen Mitchibata.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1989 - 1991: placed in the top 100 singles players in the world.
Singles highlights: Grant won over Ivan Lendl; upset Magnus Gustafsson—Davis Cup and a pivotal loss to Andre Agassi at Wimbleton.
Singles success: reached finals in Belgoe, Norway and helsinki, Finland.
Doubles Highlights: Success with his doubles career extended his playing to 1997.
Recieved the Canadian Spirit of Sport Award for presenting a positive image on moral development of Canadian youth.
Inducted into the Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame.

Grant won many titles with Glen Mitchibata, Pat Galbraith and Ryan Black, including World Doubles Championship with Pat in 1995. In 1993 Grant Grant was ranked #1 in world doubles.

Newsmaker: PAUL KARIYA

Paul Kariya was a member of the North Shore Winter Club for four years, from six (6) to ten (10) years of age. While a member of the club, Paul's best stroke was the breaststroke. One summer, Paul even swam with a cast on his leg. Unfortunately, he burned out a hairdryer trying to keep the cast dry.

Hockey was always a great love for Paul. he played junior hockey in Penticton for the Panthers of the BCJHL and ultimately won a scholarship to the University of Maine.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1993: NCAA Championships, Maine Black Bears
1993: Winner of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for outstanding College Hockey Player (th eonly freshman to win)
1994: Olympic Silver Medalist for Hockey in Lillehammer, Norway
1996 - 1997: Lady Byng Trophy (NHL) with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks
2002: Olympic Gold Medalist for Hockey in Salt Lake City, Utah
2003: Stanley Cup Finalists

In Paul's acceptance letter to BCSSA, he stated that his ability to swim greatly assisted him in his rehabilitation from hockey injuries. This provided him with a big advantage over his peers in the game.

Competitiors: CHRISTINE LARSEN

Christine started swimming at the age of 7 with the Coquitlam Sharks (BCSSA). Christine had many successes at BCSSA both at the Regional and Provincial Championships as well as high school meets. Christine's High School Championship record of 1984 in the 100m free still stands today. At Age eleven (11) Christine decided to turn her focus to the sport of Synchronized Swimming.

During 1993 - 1994, Christine was a full time coach for the Nanimo Diamonds Synchro Club. She has worked for the City of Coquitlam in aquatics, participated in the open water swimming while holding the positon of executive/Technical Director for Synchro BC. Christine was instrumental in supporting the development of Synchronized swimming within BCSSA. During her tenure as Synchro BC Executive Director several joint projects between the two association were hosted as a result, registration for synchronized swimming has been steadily rising each year.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1990: Commonwealth Gold — Duet (with Kathy Glen)
1991: Canadian National Championship — Duet
1995: Canadian National Championship — Team
1996: Olympic Silver — Team

Competitiors: BELINDA EDDY

Belinda joined the Port Moody Aquarians at the age of six (6). During her time as a member of BCSSA, Belinda was awarded 10 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze medals at regionals, and at Provincials, she was awarded 4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Following her swimming success, Belinda turned her attention to diving with the Port Moody Aquarians and from there went on to join Dive BC.

Belinda gave back to BCSSA by coaching for the Port Moody Aquarians, Burnaby Barracudas and the Coquitlam Sharks. During her diving career, Belinda made many visits to the chiropractors and the physio therapists. After graduating from SFU, Belinda obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and is currently working in her chosen profession in Seattle.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

BCSSA, 16 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals.
Western Canadian Diving Championships, 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Member of the Canadian Jr. National Diving Team
Canadian National Dive Team; 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
International Competition; 2 bronze medals
Received a 4 year Diving Scholarship to SFU where she remained undefeated in eight (8) NAIA Championships.
Belinda was the only competitor to win one the 1 & 3 metre diving boards 4 consecutive years; Belinda still holds the 3 metre springboard record in NAIA.
Received the Rick Jones Memorial Award for athletic achievement.
1990 SFU Female Athlete of the Year

2001 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2001.

Builder: DAN SHARRERS

Born Kingston, Jamaica
Played national soccer around the Caribbean in his 20’s
1959-60 Member of the Oxford University swim team
In his 30’s took up water polo – played on Jamaica’s national team in the 66 Commonwealth Games
Moved to Hope in 1968
Founded a new pool there (Centennial Pool)
1969 Hope Otters Swim Club started
Coached the team for 20 years
His sons Jay and Matt swam at provincials for years
Hope Sr. Boys and Girls dominated BCSSA for a number of years
Most famous meet - the Hope Rotary Meet was unique but everyone wanted to go there
Coached Hope High School Team for years
1970’s spent much time revising BCSSA Rule Book
Served on the BCSSA Executive Board
Always believed in philosophy of respecting yourself and always trying to improve
1997 the new aquatic centre is Hope is named the Dan Sharrers Aquatic Centre

Builder: CAROL GAIR

Coached summer swimmers since start of BCSSA in 1958
Attended first provincial championships as Coach of Crescent Beach
Her technical expertise and ability to pass this knowledge on to her swimmer has enabled thousands of young swimmers to be the best they could possibly be
She has coached future Olympians
She always strived for what she believed was right and fair for her swimmers
She has also coached North Delta and White Rock

Competitor: K.C. EMERSON

1967 started BCSSA – Kerrisdale pool.
Competed at UBC Empire Pool – BCSSA Championships
Swam winter for Arbutus Club, Vancouver Amateur Swim Club then joined Canadian Dolphins
1978 attended SFU – trained with the men’s team; Women’s Competitions in NAIA
1980 – 84 SFU Women’s team
summer 81-82 Assistant Coach Burnaby Barracudas
1983 head Coach Merritt
1980’s First Open Water Swim in English Bay - and won
1986 – 5.6 k Lake Windermere
1989 First Open Water Series
swam open water until 1993
Still women’s record holder for Skaha Lake, English Bay and Lake Windermere 10-11k Race.
1990 Now owner and head coach Fast Lane Swim Programme
Member B.C. Triathlon Association – Pan Am in Winnipeg, National Coach

Competitor: BILL MAHONEY

•1955 – 64 Swam for Crescent Beach (coaches – Wendy Brown, Carol Gair)
•1965-74 Winter Swimmer ending with Can Dolphins
•67-71 Full scholarship to University of Michigan
•medals at all levels of Summer swimming and high school
•Can. Champ and Record Holder 100 and 200 Breaststroke (66, 67, 68,70,71,72 and 74)
•Competed:
- 66 Commonwealth Games – Bronze – Jamaica
- 67 Pan Am Games – Silver – Winnipeg
- 68 Olympic Games – Bronze – Mexico
- 70 Commonwealth Games – 3 Gold – Scotland
- 71 Pan Am Games – Silver – Cali Columbia
- 72 Olympic Games – Bronze – Munich
- 74 Commonwealth – Gold – New Zealand

Newsmaker: LIAM DONNELLY

•Started with BCSSSA Port Moody Aquarians at 5 years of age

•Swam many years with the New Westminster Hyacks as a winter swimmer

•Coached BCSSA Esquimalt. His team won the Lauriente Trophy for Sportsmanship.

•4 years with Hyacks coach

•Last 10 years Head Coach S.F.U for the swimming and diving team

•Named coach of year NAIA many times

•The banners at SFU Aquatic Centre show the success of his swim teams

•Many of his swimmers Ryan Lauren, Graham Duthie, Diana Ereche, to name but 3 have had outstanding success nationally.

•Continues to have great success at SFU

•2002 Women 1st NAIA•2003 Men and Women 1st NAIA

Swimming has been a part of Liam Donnelly’s life from the beginning. Liam started with BCSSA at 5 years of age with the Port Moody Aquarians and swam for many years as a Winter Swimmer with the New Westminster Hyacks, where he later coached for 4 years.

Liam moved on from swimming to coaching successfully. As a coach with BCSSA Esquimalt, Liam’s team was awarded the Tom Lauriente Trophy for Sportsmanship. The banners at the Simon Fraser Aquatic Centre display the success Liam and his teams have had over the last ten years as the Head Coach at Simon Fraser University Swimming and Diving Teams. He has been named Coach of the Year many times now by the NAIA and continues to have great success with his swimmers.

Liam continues to make news through the successes of his swimmers. In 2002 the women’s team achieved first and in 2003 both men and women’s teams’ came in first at the NAIA Championship. Liam has coached many swimmers who have had outstanding success nationally: Ryan Lauren, Graham Duthie and Diana Ereche.

Newsmaker: KARIN LARSEN

Swam for BCSSA Coquitlam Sharks for many years. Won the 13 & 14 Age Category at the BCSSA Provincial Aggregate
Won all Provincial Championships in Synchro since 10 and under
1983 – 88 rep. Can Internationally in Synchro
1986 FINA Gold World Champs in Madrid and alternate on Gold Medal Duet in Korea
left competition after 88 Olympics
CBC Sports announcer while attending SFU
Recently has been Sport TV announcer for CBC
Commentator – Olympics, Commonwealth and World Championships for aquatic events.

Karin started her swim career as a swimmer with the BCSSA Coquitlam Sharks, winning all the Provincial Championships in Synchro from the age of 10. Karin went on the represent Canada internationally in Synchro from 1983 to 1988 and was the 1986 FINA Gold World Champ in Madrid.

After the 1988 Olympics Karin left competition to attend Simon Fraser University. She did not leave aquatics altogether, though, as she became a Sports Announcer with CBC. Karin can still be found on CBC TV as a commentator for Olympic, Commonwealth and World Championship Aquatic events.

2000 Inductees

**Please note that these inductee write-ups were written in 2000.

Builder: IAN ALLEN

Ian has been a member of the BCSSA since 1971, when he and his family joined the Port Moody Aquarians. Ian accepted the position of BCSSA Regional Director for the Simon Fraser Region for three years (1976-1979). From there, Ian was elected President in 1982 of the BC Summer Swimming Association and stills hold the position today. The association is grateful for this long standing commitment, as his presidency has brought stability, growth, consistency and has provided a valuable sense of history as well as providing a vision for the future of the Association along with accepting new challenges. Under Ian's guidance, BCSSA had also regularly evaluated the association's goals and objectives in order to meet the ever-changing needs. In recognition of Ian's commitment to, and pride of BCSSA, a scholarship fund was established in 1997 in his name.

Builder: DON BREWSTER

Don Brewster was the first President of the BC Summer Swimming Association (1958-1970). During his presidency, the Association grew from 5 clubs with 250 athletes in 1960 (the first recorded registrations), to 55 clubs with 3,729 athletes in 1970. Don Brewster was the principal driver in terms of the development of the Association; the creation and implementation of BCSSA`s Rules and Regulations, a founding member of the Association (signing member of BCSSA`s constitution), sitting on the Awards Committee for the Provincial Meets and also chairing the Finance Committee. Don Brewster, through his 12 years as President, was a force in the creation of an Association that to this day is thriving with over 5000 athletes in all four aquatic sports and steadily growing each year.

Competitor: LESLIE CLIFF

Leslie was a member of the Crescent Beach Swim Club from 1959 to 1970. In 1971, Leslie won Three Gold and Two Silver Medals at the Pan American Games. She won a Silver Medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the 400 IM and in 1974, she won two Gold Medals at the Commonwealth Games in the 200 IM and 400IM. Leslie was awarded the medal of service for the Order of Canada in 1971, became a member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 and a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Competitor: BRUCE ROBERTSON

Bruce was a member of the Crescent Beach Swim Club from 1958 to 1969. In 1971, Bruce tied the Canadian 50 Metre Freestyle record and also was a member of the Canadian Record Relays (200 Metre Freestyle, 400 Metre Freestyle and the 400 Metre Medley Relays). In 1972, Bruce was ranked 6th in the World in 100 Metre Butterfly and won a Silver Medal in the Munich Olympics in 100 Metre Butterfly and was named Canadian Male Athlete of the Year. At the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, he won 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals. At the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico, Bruce won 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals.

Newsmaker: FINN DONNELLY

Fin was a member of the Port Moody Aquarians from 1973 to 1979. Since 1990, Fin has completed thirteen marathon swims for the environment, covering over 1,800km in BC`s rivers, lakes and ocean. In 1995, Fin swam the length of the Fraser River (1,370km), the `heart and soul of British Columbia," to emphasize the need for people's sustainability. His swims evoke critical thought, and draw attention to environmental heath issues, and prompt community-based solutions. Since 1995, Fin has visited 100 schools, making over 380 presentations, to more than 30,000 people in 50 BC communities.

Newsmaker: SHELBY MILLER

Shelby was a member of the Castlegar Aquanauts from 1992 to 1997. In 1993, Shelby received an emergency liver transplant and at the 1994 BCSSA Provincial Championships, she won a bronze medal. At the 1996 BCSSA Provincial Championships, she won 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. in 1997, she completed her comeback by finishing 16th in the 50 metre Freestyle at the CIAU Nationals. Shelby has also become a "poster person" for the British Columbia Transplant Society with her picture on various promotional items such as brochures, billboards, and flyers.