(Halifax, N.S.) The Dalhousie Tigers are pleased to announce that their annual invitational swim meet has been named the Kemp-Fry Invitational in honour of long-time coaches Nigel Kemp and David Fry.
“Nigel Kemp and David Fry are names that are synonymous with our swim program at Dalhousie,” says Dalhousie’s Athletic Director, Tim Maloney. “The commitment, energy and passion these two individuals have invested into the sport of swimming and Dalhousie are unparalleled, which makes honouring Nigel and David in the naming of our annual invitational meet such a natural fit.”
Nigel Kemp was the Tigers head coach from 1971-1998, steering them to 27 AUS (then AUAA) championships. His athletes captured 63 CIS (CIAU) medals; 19 of them gold. A three time Dalhousie coach of the year, Nigel was a two-time CIS (CIAU) coach of the year (1974 and 1980).
David Fry led Tigers swimmers to 30 conference titles in his 16 years as head coach. The Tigers coach of the year four times, he was the AUS coach of the year 20 times and was twice named CIS coach of the year (2003 women and 2007 men).
A staple on the AUS swim circuit, the Kemp-Fry Invitational typically takes place mid-November each year. The two-day event features teams from Dalhousie, Acadia, Memorial, UNB, UPEI and Mount Allison, as well as visiting teams from other conferences, including McGill who will be in attendance this weekend.
“I am honoured to be recognized by Dalhousie University through the naming of its annual AUS swim meet,” says Kemp. “Most particularly, I am delighted to be jointly linked with the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Coach David Fry, a generous colleague and friend, whose association with Dalhousie swimming has been long term, productive and widely respected.”
Before Fry’s passing in October this year, he spoke about the having the meet named in his honour. “I am truly appreciative of this honour,” said Fry. “I am very proud of my connection to Dalhousie’s swimming program and to be recognized with Nigel.”
This year’s event takes place November 21 and 22 at the Dalplex pool at 10am (heats) and 4pm (finals) each day. A short ceremony will take place at 3:45pm prior to the start on finals on Saturday.