The Maine Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame will induct Alan A. Switzer, Christopher Hamilton and Lauren Hill Wood into the Hall during a ceremony scheduled for Sunday, April 12, in Lewiston.
Switzer, appointed in 1971 as the University of Maine’s first men’s swimming and diving coach, led the Black Bears during his 19 years to a dual-meet record of 139-61. In 1976, four years after winning their varsity meet, the Black Bears won their first of two New England titles, winning the second title in 1978. At the 1978 New England championship meet, Maine won 15 of 18 events and set five New England records.
In 1979-84, Switzer directed the Black Bears at the Eastern Seaboard Championships, competing against some of the nation’s most elite teams and swimmers. Maine also raced for four years at the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships.
Switzer began his coaching career at Hebron Academy, where he is a member of the Hall of Fame. He was named to the University of Maine Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
He remains active in coaching at Plymouth State University, coaching the women’s team.
Hamilton, a three-time state champion diver at Bangor High School (1984-87), coaches diving at Dartmouth College where his divers have been recognized for numerous achievements at the Ivy League and NCAA levels.
As a collegiate diver at Southern Connecticut State University, Hamilton was a five-time All-American and national Diver of the Year. In addition, the former Southern Connecticut diving coach won the national 1-meter title in the NCAA Division II meet.
Wood was Maine’s Interscholastic Swimmer of the Year in 1979 and 1980. As a swimmer for Cape Elizabeth High, Wood held state records in the 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 500 free and the 200 individual medley.
In 1981, she earned All-American recognition as a member of the Bowdoin College team, coached by Charlie Butt, an inductee of the Hall. Wood resides in Arizona.