LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, November 8. THE swimming world has lost one of its giants. Coach Paul Blair of the Arkansas Dolphins and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has passed away due to complications from prostate cancer. Coach Blair is survived by his wife Mary Dawn, his three daughters, Shawna, Marissa, and Lindann.
Coach Blair's passion for swimming has built a foundation for the sport in Arkansas, where he started coaching the Arkansas Dolphins Swim Team in 1979. Blair can be noted as one of the first coaches to emphasize that in order to sprint, you must practice sprinting. Based in Little Rock, Ark., Blair led the Dolphins to a U.S. Open title in 1988 and then a National title in 1989 in less than 10 years as head coach, thus proving that, "if you can win a national title from Little Rock, Ark. you can win one from anywhere." In 2004, the International Swimming Hall of Fame honored Coach Blair with the Yutaka Terao Award.
Coach Blair was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the fall of 2003. Despite the challenges associated with his illness, Coach never quit fighting. Though his illness weakened his body, his unwavering positive attitude and his relentless spirit remained untouched. During his last few weeks in the hospital, all he could talk about was getting back on the deck and coaching the kids he loved. Coach was truly an inspiration to us all.
While Coach will be sadly missed, he lived a wonderful and full life. During his 27 years with the Dolphins, Coach Blair helped thousands of swimmers on all skill levels. His most notable achievements are listed below. Individual Achievements 8 time USA National Team Coach 6 US National Champions 1 US Open National Champion 12 Junior National Champions 2 Olympic Festival Gold Medalists 35 National Age Group Champions 17 National Age Group Records 7 Masters National Champions 1 Pan American Silver Medalist 25 World Ranked Swimmers 25 Olympic Trials Qualifiers 4 Pan Pacific Team Members 6 Olympic Swimmers 1 World Team Silver Medalist 1 Olympic Gold Medalist Team Championships 1988 US Open Men's Team Champions 1989 US Men's Team National Champions 10 time Region VIII Team Champions 57 Arkansas State Age Group Championships.
In lieu of flowers, the Blair family has asked that donations be made, in Coach's name, to the Arkansas Dolphins or the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Arkansas Dolphins
Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation
216 Ridgeway Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Prostate Health Resource Center
1910 North Grant St.
Suite 1-A
Little Rock, AR 72207
Viewing: Thur. and Fri. night 6-8pm at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205
Service will be 10AM on Sat. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 North Tyler St., Little Rock, AR 72205
Graveside service to follow: Pinecrest Memorial Park