Our beloved head coach and Southern California Swimming General Chairman, Kevin Perry lost his heroic battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 9. He was 56.
Kevin was the head coach of FAST (Fullerton Aquatic Sports Team) since 1993. Born on Thanksgiving Day, 1951, Coach Perry lived a life immersed in athletics, first as a high school baseball player, then as a lifelong contributor to the sport of swimming. He was the long time coach of Los Altos swim club in Northern California. Prior to arriving at FAST, Mr. Perry coached at Mecklenburg Aquatic Club.
FAST placed 15th this year in the USA Swimming Club Excellence program. His team was recently awarded Gold Medal status in recognition of his team’s performance. Coach Perry was very involved with USA Swimming serving as a National Team Coach and as a member of the Club Development Committee. Prior to serving as General Chairman, Mr. Perry served Southern California Swimming as both Planning chairman and Senior chairman. His leadership created the quadrennial planning meeting which guides SCS in looking ahead.
Perhaps most significant in Coach Perry’s lifelong commitment to the sport of swimming was his unique relationship with the City of Fullerton and his collaborative approach to building his program while many other cities were struggling with financing. Through Mr. Perry’s leadership FAST not only grew in swimmers and national ranking, it took over the Janet Evans Swim facility adding programming and events that bolstered safe and competitive swimming. Last year, Mr. Perry helped found Swim Safe Fullerton, a partnership with schools, community groups and TYR that teaches low income students how to be water safe.
“Kevin’s contribution to the sport was not limited to his knowledge of swimming, “ said Mary Jo Swalley, Executive Director of Southern California Swimming. “He had an overwhelming passion for the sport. We owe a deep debt to a leader who contributed consistently and selflessly. He will be missed.”
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