CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos were saddened to hear of the passing of former swimming head coach Deryk Snelling earlier this month at the age of 87 at his home on Vancouver Island.

One of the most impactful coaches in Canadian swimming history, Snelling coached the Dinos from 1980-96, bringing the program to national and international prominence. During his tenure, the men's program captured nine national championships and 11 Canada West banners, adding two more conference titles with the women's team.

Under his tutelage, the likes of Tom Ponting, Mark Tewksbury, Graham Smith, and Jon Cleveland made the Dinos the most dominant program in Canada – and they dominated internationally as well, winning multiple Olympic medals – highlighted by Tewksbury's gold in the 100-metre backstroke in 1992.

Snelling went on to become head coach of the Canadian national team. Over a 36-year coaching career, his athletes captured 10 World Championship medals, set seven world records

A member of the Order of Canada, Snelling received a litany of honours during his career – including seven CIAU (now U SPORTS) Coach of the Year honours and induction to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He was welcomed as an honoured member of the Dinos Hall of Fame with the Class of 2004.

"The University and our swim club came together in the early 1980s to create a first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together the strengths of both organizations – and they hired Deryk to lead it," said Dinos head coach Mike Blondal, who spent eight years with Snelling on the coaching staff from 1988-96. "He created a legacy, and you just have to look at all the names on our pool deck. The University of Calgary and the UCSC have a worldwide following in swimming because of the legacy that Deryk built.

"If you look at all the prominent coaches in the country, he inspired many of them through his own professionalism and desire to win. He was always challenging thinking, and he was the impetus for professional swim coaching in this country. He had a profound effect on coaching, leading to a profound effect on athletes, and he leaves a legacy of respect among all of his swimmers and among his peers for his abilities."

The Dinos send our condolences to Deryk's family. A celebration of life will be held at a future date after COVID restrictions are eased.

-UC-