Dedication

      The Little Rhody Aquatic Club was, at its founding, dedicated to Joseph Watmough. In a sense, Joe was the man behind the swim club back then. He was largely responsible for the construction of the Smith Swimming Center and was a consultant for the McDermott Pool.

      Joe hand picked Ed Reed as Coach at Brown University and director of the Smith Swimming Center. Joe began coaching in 1925 at the Olneyville Boy's Club where he had great success turning out teams which had several Olympic swimmers, including medalists Johnny Higgins and Clara Lamore. He became coach at Brown in 1944 and stayed until 1972. His Brown Teams won four New England Championships and he produced a host of All-American, All-East, and All-New England swimmers. Joe's greatest joy was working with youngsters and helping them become both great swimmers and better citizens. Hundreds of Boys Club and Brown University graduates owe much to Joe for his patience, understanding and advice.

      Now as we renewed our program in 2006, we add Ed Reed to the dedication page. Through his tireless efforts, vision and love for the sport, the Little Rhody Aquatic Club experienced unprecedented and outstanding growth, thus giving the opportunity so many athletes to participate in all areas of aquatics. Throughout a great career as swimming and water polo coach at Brown, Ed always worked to create a nationally recognized program to match his outstanding facility. The age group programs thrived and countless young Rhode Island men and woman benefited from his guidance. Under his leadership, many outstanding athletes and coaches realized their potential in swimming, water polo, diving and life.

      We are proud to rededicate the Little Rhody Aquatic Club to these long time swimming coaches who left a great legacy of service to Aquatics in Rhode Island and we will strive to live up to the model of service to the community these men set for us.