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George Block ('73) Honored By USOC With Rings Of Gold Award
Former Fighting Irish swimmer recognized for more than 30 years of service

Sept. 24, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - University of Notre Dame graduate George Block ('73) received the United States Olympic Committee's Rings of Gold award Sept. 21 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Assembly.

An accomplished national team swimming coach, Block has trained six different Olympic athletes in swimming, triathlon and pentathlon, worked with nearly 300 All-Americans, and served as both vice president of USA Swimming and the president of the American Swimming Coaches Association during his career.

Block, a 1972-73 team captain for the Fighting Irish men's swimming team under longtime head coach Dennis Stark, was the athletic director of the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas from 1977-2009. The district renamed its indoor aquatics facility the George Block Aquatics Center in 2009 in recognition of Block's more than 30 years of dedicated service.

The annual Rings of Gold award recognizes an individual committed to helping children strive toward reaching their Olympic or Paralympic aspirations. First presented in 1997, the Rings of Gold honor celebrates one who has dedicated his/her life to working with young athletes to reach their competitive potential, teaching valuable life skills, and making a positive impact within the community.

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From: Chuck Warner, Head Swimming and Diving Coach, Rutgers University, Vice-President American Swimming Coaches Association, Date: April 24, 2003
I offer these written ideas in place of what I desired to be spoken words at the “Public Hearing” you are holding in New York tomorrow. I was prepared to make the trip, but told I would not be permitted to speak. I will be brief.