The Legacy
Most
people in aquatics agree that no single person has had more of an impact on the
sport of competitive swimming than James E. Counsilman, Ph.D. Not only did he
give innovative ideas, research and application to the development of world
champions, but he has made discoveries that have influenced the disciplines of
fitness, physiology and aerobics for everyone who has sought to improve and
maintain their health.
While many people recognize his accomplishments as a swimming coach, few know
about the numerous products he invented. Fewer still are aware of the influence
he had in the evolution of swimming pool design. His ideas and concepts have
not only improved the performance of athletes at all levels, but they have also
led to safety innovations that have benefited all users of swimming pools.
In 1970, Doc Counsilman and Joe Hunsaker, a former swimmer coached by Doc,
created Counsilman-Hunsaker. The goal was to provide a source of expertise for
owners, architects and engineers planning and designing swim facilities, indoor
and outdoor. With Counsilman's inspiration and Hunsaker's perseverance, the
consulting firm has grown to become a major influence in the creation of
aquatic centers, from leisure pools and waterparks to world class venues for
international competition.
Since its beginning, the firm has combined innovative design with ongoing
research which has included new products introduced to the industry as well as
a pure study of the forces that influence speed in the water. Combined with the
curiosity about what has gone before, an ongoing re-evaluation of existing
facilities, products, systems, procedures, techniques and methods have provided
the basis of meaningful recommendations.
In
January of 2003, Doc Counsilman died at the age of 83. He had retired from the
firm in 1995, passing the torch on to his colleague and friend, Joe Hunsaker.
Even now, his spirit permeates the espirit de corp. of Counsilman-Hunsaker in
the office and on construction sites across the nation. He taught us lessons in
setting high goals, perseverance, integrity and common sense.
How could you not be inspired by a young man that graduated at the bottom of his
high school class, climbed poles for the phone company and then became a
National Swimming Champion, which led to a college scholarship. Two years later
he enlisted and became a bomber pilot, was shot down over enemy territory and
crash-landed, saving his crew and escaping capture. For this act of valor, he
received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war he earned his Ph.D., writing a thesis that revolutionized the
training of swimmers. In his 35 years at Indiana University, he was recognized
worldwide for his accomplishments and contributions including his pivotal book,
The Science of Swimming.
We at Counsilman-Hunsaker have never lacked for inspiration. How can you not be
inspired by a leader who decided to swim the English Channel when he was 57
years old. He is no longer with us, but his example is.
The firm's evolution of a planning and design philosophy, coupled with extensive
experience, has poised Counsilman-Hunsaker to expand its horizons with a vision
that reflects its legacy and at the same time, sets a higher standard for the
future.
In other words, the vision of leaders!
Audio files below of Bob Costas speaking about Doc Counsilman.
(Thanks to KFNS radio for granting permission to use this
audio clip)
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