Announcement is courtesy of the Greater Canton Aquatics Association
On April 24, 2016 the Greater Canton Aquatic Association will host its 31st Annual Hall of Fame Enshrinement. This day, the G.C.A.A. will celebrate the past and present success of Stark County aquatics to a crowd of nearly 400 at the McKinley Grand Hotel in Downtown Canton.
The G.C.A.A. Hall of Fame Enshrinement is widely considered the finest Enshrinement Ceremony in Stark County amateur athletics.
As we gather to recognize past swimming and diving greats, we will remember Ted Branin, Marty Mull, Ben Ledger, Tom Whiteleather, Bill Van Almen, Dick Hamlin and other notable Hall of Famers.
There will be special congratulations to the Class of 2016, Matt Johnsen, Tim McCann, Adam France, Darcy Wakefield Dower and David Rotthoff. Each will enter the Hall of Fame as 5 of the greatest Stark County athletes and coaches to ever compete or coach in local swimming and diving. In over 87 years only 111 swimmers, divers, coaches and contributors have been worthy of such and honor from the Greater Canton Aquatics Association.
As focus will remain with the current class of Hall of Famers, the G.C.A.A. will continue to pay tribute to many and remind everyone in attendance of the dedication and successes of our current Age Group, High School, College and Master aquatic athletes. On April 24th, the G.C.A.A. will recognize and honor over 100 competitors of the 2015-2016 season at all levels of competition. Furthermore, it will be our pleasure to recognize the outstanding efforts of our local coaches and officials.
During the last 8 years the Greater Canton Aquatic Association has recognized State Championship Teams from years past. Once again, it will be our honor to welcome these teams as well as past individual State Champions for a proper re-introduction to the aquatic community.
The Greater Canton Aquatics Association’s purpose is to promote the advancement of aquatics and our primary function is to recognize achievement in aquatics in Stark County. The Board of Trustees believes their continued efforts exceed all expectations in Stark County Aquatics!
R.J. Van Almen
President, Canton Amateur Sports Hall of Fame
President, Greater Canton Aquatics Association