Providence College Athletics
Providence Comes Through Again
9/2/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
Sept. 2, 1999
Printed by the Providence College Spectrum Digest
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - "The campus has come through again."
Those were the words of PC Swimming Coach John O'Neill as he described the college community's response to the Hince Swimathon held at Taylor Pool on August 24.
Originally the idea of PC's senior swim team members, the event was organized to benefit the ongoing care costs of swim team alumnus Charlie Hince '92. Hince, a BIG EAST All-Academic swimmer during his years with the Friars, was paralyzed from the shoulders down as a result of a swimming accident on Martha's Vineyard in August 1996. While body surfing with friends, a wave caught Hince and flipped him head-first into the ocean floor, breaking his neck.
"The seniors were just here, beginning their sophomore year, when the accident happened. They've watched Charlie's development and feel a strong connection and emotional attachment. They really wanted to do something before they left," said O'Neill.
With the help of the entire swim team, Associate Professor of Art Richard Elkington, retired Senior Hall Director Clara Walker, and O'Neill, his son, and daughter, more than $4,000 was raised on the day of the event. Pledges are still coming in, and when all is said and done, O'Neill hopes to have raised $5,000. The funds raised will go to the Charles Hince Continuing Benefit Fund to help defray Hince's ongoing care costs.
Elkington viewed the swimathon as a positive experience for the college community.
"I harassed a few faculty members for pledges. I was very pleased with their response," he said.
As for his friend Charlie, Elkington is equally optimistic.
"I've known Charlie from way back, since he was a lifeguard at the pool. He is such a terrific, all-around person. It's amazing how far Charlie has come, when the prognosis at the time (of the accident) was no negative. I'm also amazed by how positive Charlie is about his future," he said.
O'Neill agrees with Elkington's assessment, "Charlie continues to both inspire and motivate the people he meets. We will continue to do anything we can to help the Hince family."
Editor's Note: In addition to individual pledges, the following companies and organizations contributed to The Hince Swimathon: McDonald?s, Pomegranate, Inc., Tasca Ford, Atwood World Travel, Ben & Jerry's, Bradley's Cafe, Gem Plumbing & Heating, Gravity Bar and Grille, P + M Sales Agency: Pick Pockets Deli, Providence Aquatic Club, Providence College Alumni Association, Providence College Athletic Association, Ronzio Pizza, Speedo, Thomas Anglim, D.D.S., and Varsity Swim Shop. If you would like to contribute to the Charlie Hince Continuing Benefit Fund, please contact John O'Neill at Ext. 2268.
Matthew Ulrickson
