Former Navy swimming coach dies
Lawrence led men’s team for 30 years starting in 1973, posted a 233-139 record
Lee Lawrence, whowas a member of the Navy men’s swimming coaching staff for 36 years and also served as an instructor in the Naval Academy physical education department, died Oct. 9 in Jacksonville, Florida, because of a stroke. Hewas 82.
Born inPennsylvania, Lawrence enrolled in Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1960 and served three years of active duty. He arrived in Annapolis and began his coaching career at Navy in1967 as an assistant to John Higgins.
He was elevated to head coach in 1973, andNavy compiled winning records in 25 of his 30 seasons at the helm. He guided the Midshipmen to an overall record of 233-139.
Lawrence also coached the women’s team for six years (1979-85) and the water polo team for three (1982-84). The three programs combined for a 29-10 mark against archrival Army.
“We are devastated,” Bill Roberts, who succeeded Lawrence as the men’s swimming coach after serving three years as his assistant, said in a news release. “Coach Lawrence had a profound impact on so many people throughout his legendary career at theNaval Academy.
“Since becoming the head coach, I have really enjoyed getting to know our alumni and learning more about Coach Lawrence and his impact. He certainly experienced a lot of success as a coach.”
Lawrence retired from Navy in 2003 but continued coaching area club and high school teams near his retirement home in Florida for most of the last 15 years.
“The swimming world has lost a giant in our sport,” saidMcGeeMoody, whowas an assistant to Lawrence and is now head coach at South Carolina, in the release.
“I owe so much of my career to Lee. He gave me an opportunity to coach at Navy and taught me so much about leadership, loyalty and hard work. He was my boss, a mentor and my friend.
“His contribution to the USNA and its physical mission was immeasurable. Every Midshipman who touched the water had to work with Coach Lawrence. ... His job was to prepare them to serve and protect our country, and he was very successful at doing that. I am going to miss him.”
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Mary Lawrence of St. Augustine, Florida; brother Richard Lawrence; children Ed (Nancy) Lawrence, Drew ( Alina Martinez) Lawrence, Mike (Scott Gallagher) Rivers, Jennifer Rivers, Casey Burns, and Matt Burns; and his grandchildren Courtney Lawrence, Haley Lawrence, and Emma Rivers. He was predeceased by his wife Betty Lawrence, his son Lee (Jay) Lawrence, Jr., his brother Larry Lawrence, and his mother and father Lois Plotts and James C. Lawrence.