DENVER (Nov. 2) -- Former University of Denver swimming and diving coach Thom Murphy, one of the school's best mentors in any sport who guided the Pioneers from 1954-71, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 1999, at his home in Florida.

Murphy took over as the University's third swimming and diving head coach in 1954. That first season, he coached his first swimmer, Don Brown, to NCAA All-America honors. Over his 18-year tenure he guided the Pioneers to a record of 127-43-1 (.742) and won 12 conference titles. In addition, Murphy's teams placed in the top-20 at the NCAA Championships three times: in 1955 (19th), 1961 (13th) and 1962 (16th).

Among Murphy's highlights was leading the Pioneers to 43 consecutive dual-meet victories, a span which stretched nearly five years. In addition, Murphy coached Jack Kelso to the NCAA National Championship in the men's 200-yard individual medley in 1961.

For his accomplishments, Murphy was inducted into the University of Denver's inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1996.

"Coach Murphy was a real character, which I guess is what you get from an Irishman from Brooklyn," remembered Jim Bain, who swam under Murphy from 1962-64 and has succeeded him as Pioneer coach for the past 28 years. "He took great care of all the student-athletes, and had a super-successful program. He was a really good 'people person' - you couldn't find a better ambassador for the University." Bain noted that Murphy also led the public swimming program at the DU Pool and taught thousands of Denverites to swim.

Funeral services will be held this Friday, Nov. 5, 1999, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, Fla. Donations may be sent in Murphy's name to the American Red Cross.

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