| With Loving Memories of Ross Bean, Synchro Pioneer 1924-2000 |
| Ross Coleman Bean: B.S., PhD, University of California at Berkeley; M.S, Stanford University; Principal Research Scientist, Ford Aerospace, Aeronutronic Division, Newport Beach; Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, University of California at Riverside; Graduate Teaching Assistant, Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley. |
| Swimmer: Ross began swimming to overcome the effects of childhood polio. An AAU All-American, he captained the University of California's Swimming and Water Polo teams in 1946 and qualified for the 1944 Olympic Games in 400, 800 and 1500 meter freestyle. Games were cancelled because of WWII. Coach: He became involved with synchro through his wife Dawn. While waiting at the Athens Club pool for her to finish her workout, he soon heard, "Ross, watch my stunts (figures)," then, "Ross watch me and my sisters," to finally, "Ross, watch me and the team." And that is how he became the coach of the first western team to ever win the national title. With his analytical mind and speed swimming background, he helped the Athens team win 15 national titles, highlighted by the first gold medals ever awarded for synchro at an international competition, the Pan American Games of 1955. Helper: After moving to Southern California, Dawn founded first, the Riverside Aquettes, then, the Meraquas of Tustin/Irvine. Ross helped when time permitted, particularly with figures. Even when Dawn retired from coaching in 1983, he continued to help swimmers at the local clubs whenever they asked. When Dawn began coaching masters, Ross was again at pool side helping - he was always there to help teach, guide, assist and advise. Official: Ross was involved in synchro nationally and internationally. Long time figure chairman, his 'how-to-do-it' articles in Synchro magazine were read all over the world. He was a national judge for more than 40 years and for 8 years, an international judge. He chaired the Hall of Fame and the Sound Committees and was Sound Manager for the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and served as an Official at the 1996 Olympics. Synchro Honors include: Helms Hall of Fame, 1971; MacKellar Distinguished Service Award, 1981 and the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Paragon Award, 1998. |
| "I will always be grateful to Ross for his insight and the jump start he gave me in understanding figures." GD "What a wonderful kind man. I will not be able to do a Kip without thinking of him. I may even have to start willingly practicing figures in his honor." JH "I will always remember him helping you along the side, giving us good information and always encouraging us. He was very analytical and a real optimist." SSB "When I swam, my mom told me to look directly at the judges. I always directed my eyes and hand movements toward him becuase he would get a giant smile on his face. His reaction and smile contributed to my love of swimming. His words of encouragement echoed in my head, giving me the confidence to do a good job." GC "He was always one to listen to your concerns, pump you up when you were down. He always had an arm to comfort you and an ear to listen." BSQ "He was always so patient and kind with me as I'd come up burbling from one figure or another. He'd look at me with a bemused expression and after some corrections, say, 'try it again.'" JF "I just can't imagine a convention or figure discussion without him. How my former swimmers respected HIS scores." LE "What a truly great man. He was always there to help, to teach, to listen, and to set you straight, if that's what you needed." KCR Many of the young ladies I coach tell me of a kind word or compliment that Ross took time to give them. I knew he was a friend to many, but I didn't realize how many kids he had spread his kindness toward." CC |
| He meant so much to so many... |
| "Ross was one of the most remarkable people I have ever known, always giving so much to so many without ever expecting anything in return. I feel so much of my success in synchro is due to his support, knowledge and generosity in helping, whether it be figures, music, a critique or an occasional opinion. He inspired many athletes with his positive comments." GE "One thing we will all miss was his willingness to talk with anyone about synchro. I was always flattered that he remembered who I was." SN "It's so hard to believe that the 'guru of figures' will not be around to advise me. He will continue to be an inspiration in his complex descriptions of figurs. I have tried to absorb his techniques as well as his calm manner." SN "Ross was a man who made every swimmer feel special, regardless of their team affiliation. He was everyone's coach, everyone's synchro dad." CV "Always there for me, to help provide the critique or commentary of my efforts. Frank, though not always concise, keenly aware of what to say and how to say it and why. Ross made me feel the world was fair, tomorrow would be a better day and my problems weren't too serious. With Ross by the water's edge, life was good." MB "He was always smiling. The way he splashed water at us to get out attention when working on figures will be one of my fondest memories." RB "From the first meet I was ever in, he took the time to be nice and say nice things to me. Even after leaving to go to Ohio State, he took the time to comment on my figures and routines and ask how my classes were going. Thinking of Ross makes me smile." LEW "Life is not fair. He should have been made to live forever, to keep us all happy, well informed and properly trained." BM |
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