Duke Establishes Coach Bob Thompson Memorial Fund

DURHAM, N.C. - The legacy of the late Bob Thompson, head coach of Duke's swimming and diving teams for 27 years, will continue to be honored with the establishment of the Coach Bob Thompson Memorial Fund. Supported by alumni donations, the fund will benefit the swimming and diving program's operating costs.

"This is an incredible gesture on the part of the alumni in helping to preserve the great legacy that Bob Thompson left here at Duke University over the course of his 27 years of service," said swimming and diving head coach Dan Colella. "There is no doubt that Bob left an everlasting impression on those that swam for him, not only from an athletic stand point, but equally as quality individuals."

Thompson came to Duke in 1978 and guided the program to success for nearly three decades before retiring in 2005. During that time, he coached two All-Americas, two ACC Champions, four All-ACC honorees and one ACC Swimmer of the Year. He also coached former Olympian Nancy Hogshead, a two-time All-ACC selection who garnered three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Prior to his arrival at Duke, Thompson was an assistant coach at the U.S. Naval Academy for five years from 1973-78. He was also the head plebe coach at Navy from 1975-78. A native of New Kensington, Pa., Thompson graduated from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., in 1970. He swam competitively at Springfield during his collegiate days.

The memorial fund honors Coach Thompson's many years of service to the swimming and diving program and the Duke community. Thompson passed away in January of 2009.

For more information on the memorial fund and how to contribute, contact Jay Lapidas at (919) 668-0389.

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Duke Establishes Coach Bob Thompson Memorial Fund

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