Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
0357.02Description
Dick Hannula, shown with his Wilson High School team, led the Rams to 323 consecutive meets and 24 state high school championships. Hannula coached at Lincoln High from 1952-59, winning two state titles, and Wilson from 1958-83. While at Wilson, Hannula went undefeated in 323 straight meets and won 24 consecutive state championships. Hannula started the Tacoma Swim Club and remained the club’s head coach for 40 years. Hannula coached six U.S. Swimming teams internationally; 1973 in England and Bulgaria, 1975 (Pan American Games, Mexico City), 1976 (Egypt), 1978 (Taiwan), 1985 (Pan Pacific Meet, Tokyo), and managed the 1984 Olympic team, 1979 Pan American Games, 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, and 2001 (Goodwill Games, Australia). His swimmers went on to win two world records, two Olympic records, 13 American records, and two national high school records. Hannula coached Kaye Hall to a world record at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games in the 100 backstroke, winning two golds and a bronze medal. Hannula was named the National High School American Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1980, the Collegiate Scholastic Trophy in 1981, and Washington State High School Men’s Coach of the Year (all sports) in 1982. He was inducted into the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1982, International Swimming Hall of Fame 1987, Washington State Sports Hall of Fame 1994, Pacific Northwest Swimming Hall of Fame 2004, Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame 2005, Washington State University Sports Hall of Fame, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Hall of Fame and the Aberdeen High Hall of Fame.Lexicon
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Swimming, Professional/Semi-Pro, Recreational, High School, College, Olympics, CoachingRelationships
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Person or Organization
Hannula, DickPerson or Organization
Tacoma Swim ClubPerson or Organization
1968 Mexico City Olympic GamesPerson or Organization
U.S. Swimming