Legendary U-M Diving Coach Dick Kimball Passes Away at Age 91

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Dick Kimball, the longtime head diving coach on the University of Michigan from 1960-2002, died at age 91. One of probably the most completed coaches and athletes within the historical past of the game, Kimball left a long-lasting impression on generations throughout his time in teaching.

Kimball led the Michigan diving program for 43 seasons, guiding the Wolverines to 33 Big Ten championships and 5 NCAA championships throughout his tenure.

Kimball additionally discovered large success in teaching on the worldwide stage, serving on employees for Team USA for the 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Kimball coached 9 Olympic medal winners, together with 5 golds.

Before his teaching profession, Kimball was a standout athlete. He earned three All-America honors in diving and captured nationwide titles on each the one-meter and three-meter springboards in 1957. He additionally gained a nationwide championship as a part of the boys’s gymnastics group on the trampoline and earned three varsity letters.

Kimball obtained quite a few accolades all through his profession, together with two NCAA Diving Coach of the Year honors and 4 Big Ten Diving Coach of the Year awards. He was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1985, and in 1986 turned the primary coach to obtain the Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy from the CSCAA.

Known for his character as a lot as his success, Kimball introduced a spirit of pleasure and enjoyable to the diving world. Kimball was recognized for stomach flopping off the 10-meter platform at Canham Natatorium totally clothed after Big Ten Championships.