The Eastern Connecticut State University swim program welcomes the return of assistant coach Bill Hassell for the 14th season.
Hassell is a 1969 graduate of the University of Connecticut where he swam for four years. As a senior captain, he won New England championships in the 100 fly and 200 individual medley and led the Huskies to the Yankee Conference championship.
Hassell, a native of Cranston, RI, has received many swimming accolades including Rhode Island Male Swimmer of the Year in 1965 and '66, Brown Interscholastic Champion in that same year, Rhode Island All-State from 1963-1965 and Interscholastic New England Champion in the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley in 1965.
At Cranston East High School, Hassell led his team to the state championship in each of his three seasons and to a New England championship. In high school, he was undefeated in the 100 butterfly and helped the team set a state record in the relay.`
Hassell was inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatics Hall of Fame in 1993.
Hassell retired in 2004 after 35 years of teaching math at Windham High School, where he also coached the swim team immediately upon graduation from the University of Connecticut. He coached both boys and girls at Windham during various years between 1969 and 2003, coaching both programs in his final season.
Hassell is embarking upon his 46th season as a swim meet official on all levels, including involvement with the Big East Conference Championships and various Division I institutions.
