Bucknell University Athletics
Over 200 Take Part in the Celebration of Bucknell Swimming & Diving
2/16/2005 7:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
Feb. 16, 2005
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Over 200 alumni, family and friends of the Bison swimming & diving program gathered on campus the weekend of Feb. 4-5 to celebrate the tremendous success and history the sport has had here at Bucknell University. The event featured several themes, including the recognition of the 1964 NCAA Championship team, the 50th anniversary of the entire program, and a surprise 80th birthday celebration for the program's very first coach, Hall of Famer Bob Latour.
The weekend began with a reception on one of the Sojka Pavilion suites on Friday evening. Nearly 100 people showed for the event, and everyone had a great time catching up with old teammates and classmates. By the time the night was over minnow tales of success had grown into whale tales! One of the favorite topics was the famed "kickboard contest."
On Saturday morning nearly 40 swimmers had their skills tested as "Coach" Tom Boak '65 ran the open swim period in Kinney Natatorium. Hall of Famers Peter O'Keeffe '72 and Kathy Lynch '87 enjoyed their time in the water, while former diver Jeff Traver '79 and his son Matt performed on the boards. Hall of Famer Bill Dearstyne '62 and classmate Chuck "Froggy" Maunz '62 represented their class in the pool.
At noon the group enjoyed a fantastic drop-in lunch in the Sojka suites, and then returned to the natatorium to witness the current Bison squads in action. Both the Bucknell men and women handily defeated Lehigh in a great meet, and the fans in attendance were treated to a moment in history when the members of the 1964 team were recognized on the pool deck during the first break. 15 members of the team were present and they each received a commemorative plaque as they lined the bulkhead.
The entire affair capped off Saturday evening with a dinner in the Terrace Room. The meal and the company were great, and the speakers - all nine of them - did a nice job too! Bucknell's own Mr. Trivia, Brad Tufts, served as the emcee for the dinner and did a great job. He can still remember what times Bill Dearstyne swam in practice!!
You might say that Coach Latour was a bit surprised when we wheeled out a huge birthday cake with 80 glowing candles, but he handled them with ease, using just two quick breathes to blow them out. He was presented with a large, framed, color print of Kinney Natatorium which the guests in attendance had an opportunity to sign for him.
While the dining services team cut the cake the guests were treated to an outstanding video piece, courtesy of Brad Tufts (script) and the "Voice of the Bison," Doug Birdsong (production).
The four head coaches in the history of the men's program each spoke, including Latour, Dick Russell, Lynn Kachmarik and current coach Jerry Foley. In between the coaches, a swimmer from each era graced the podium, including Bill Dearstyne and Jim Smigie '65, Peter O'Keeffe '72, Jennifer Myers '98 and Trish Rado '05.
After we were finally able to pull the microphone away from Froggy Maunz during the "open mic" segment, the event came to an end, 4 ½ hours after it began. Although it was a long evening, there was a great buzz in the air about Bison swimming and diving. The weekend allowed swimmers of all eras to come together as one family.
