Dennis Ryan was known as a great swim coach, but an even better man. Praised by former athletes and colleagues, Ryan demonstrated success by making the most of what he had. Without great facilities or a program model to follow, Ryan attracted people to the pool through his fun personality and charisma. Ryan died this week at the age of 69.
Photo courtesy of northcentralcardinals.com
Ryan became the North Central College men’s swimming coach in 1974, later adding on the title of the women’s coach as well in 1986. He went on to coach the programs for a total of 27 years. In addition to coaching, Ryan was a professor of health and physical education classes and he also founded NCC’s Learn to Swim program for the Naperville community.
Having coached over 100 CCIW individual champions, including 47 All-Americans, Ryan was inducted into the North Central College Hall of Fame in 2008. Ryan won the CCIW Coach of the Year award three straight seasons from 1979-1981 and was also voted the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 1990, after leading the Cardinals to a National Championship meet.
In 2005, Ryan was awarded the Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award, for best exemplifying “the best of North Central College.”
North Central will honor Coach Ryan today with a celebration in Merner Fieldhouse from 7 to 9 p.m.
