As a founding member and second president, I was curious when I saw an announcement years ago inviting those interested to attend an open house to celebrate the Clubs 30 years. I arrived to an impressive display of verbose local and provincial politicians. None of those present had any idea of the genesis or early accomplishments of the O.A.C. and were oblivious to the fact that they were a year late. There was no mention of Des Walker, the first president, Lloyd Kishino, the first coach or Morris Valencourt, the second coach who took a bunch of novice swimmers and molded an age group provincial championship team in three years.

I guess my nose was a “little out of joint” until a beautiful young thing, Kerry (Kissick) Carr recognized me and we reminisced about the good days of the early 70s – the swim meets, the corn roasts at the shell house, the swim-a-thons to raise money and the involved, dedicated group of swimmers and their parents. These individuals made the O.A.C. a respected age group powerhouse of the time. Sometimes while exercising, my ancient joints can still spot comparative swimmers by the grace and ease of their strokes.

By Doug Hines