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Swimming and Diving Plan Hall of Fame Weekend
September 23, 2015 04:01 PM | Men's Swimming & Diving
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – This weekend marks West Virginia University’s 25th annual Sports Hall of Fame weekend, as former men’s and women’s swimming and diving head coach of 30 years Kevin Gilson celebrates his induction into the 2015 class.
“I couldn’t be happier for coach and his induction into the WVU Hall of Fame. It is well deserved,” said coach Vic Riggs. “Coach dedicated his coaching, guidance and teaching to WVU swimmers and divers for 30 years and that alone is impressive enough.”
Coach Gilson served as the men’s swimming and diving coach from 1967-96 and the women’s swimming and diving coach from 1980-96. Throughout his tenure, Gilson produced six All-Americans and 27 NCAA qualifiers. Gilson won 10 Eastern League championships, led the men to four Atlantic 10 team titles and guided the women to three Atlantic 10 team championships.
Gilson was recognized various times for his expertise in coaching. He was selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as the 1976 West Virginia Coach of the Year. He was chosen as the Eastern Conference Coach of the Year four times and was the 1994 Atlantic Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year. In 1993, he earned Atlantic 10 Women’s Coach of the Year. He was awarded the highest honor given in the coaching profession with the Distinguished Coach Award from the College Swimming Coaches’ Association of America.
“The success he had with his teams has set the standards for all of us who have followed him as head coaches of this program,” Riggs stated.
To help honor the inductees, alumni, friends and family will join together this weekend to celebrate. The swimming and diving coaching staff has planned events throughout the weekend to make it special.
On Friday, Sept. 25, alumni Bill Treasurer and John Havlik will present a leadership seminar to the team. Later on, there will be an alumni meet and greet with coach Gilson.
“I can't thank John and Bill enough for putting together this event our team teams this Friday,” said Riggs. “They're excited about discussing their experiences in leadership and the importance of working together to the team. For them to share that with the teams is priceless and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Treasurer was WVU’s first full-scholarship diver, and the first diver to qualify for the NCAA Championship. Treasurer, a Mountaineer from 1980-84, is the author of three books, dealing with risk-taking, courage and leadership. Havlik was named WVU’s Most Valuable Swimmer three times (1977, 1978, 1980), competed at the NCAA Championship three times and qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials. Havlik broke multiple program records, and currently holds the WVU Natatorium record in the 500-yard freestyle (4:30.32), set in 1980.
Seminar breakdown:
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Person
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Segment
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Vic
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Welcome and kick-off comments.
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Bill & John
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Bill and John open the session by talking about how we reconnected during last year’s alumni weekend and decided to collaborate for this event.
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Bill
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Bill shares thoughts on teaming and leadership from his days as a member of the U.S. High Diving Team, and as the author of 3 books.
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John
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John shares thoughts on commitment and leadership from his 31-years as a member of the elite Navy SEALS.
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Panel Q&A
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Vic, John and Bill field questions from the team.
NOTE: There might be a few other alumni who would be willing to join us for this.
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On Saturday, Sept. 26, the swimming and diving team will meet at the Varsity Club Tent, before the WVU vs. Maryland game. Coach Gilson will officially be inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame Class prior to the game.
“Congratulations to coach Gilson, and thank you for all you have done for the WVU swimming & diving program,” said Riggs.
SWIM: Paper Airplane Competition
Wednesday, February 11
SWIM: Villanova/Duquesne Recap
Monday, January 26
SWIM: 50 Freestyle Race with a Twist
Wednesday, December 10
SWIM: Loyola (Md.) Recap
Wednesday, November 05
