Four Springfield College Swimmers with Coach Smith

A black and white photograph of Springfield College Swimmers posing for a picture with Coach Smith, ca. 1970-80. The athletes from left to right: Bruce Mitchell, David Laing, Mike Gobin, and Dave Siconofi.Charles J. Smith served as the director of the International Academy at Springfield College, later renamed to the International English Language Institute at the College, from 1986-1999. Smith was instrumental in strengthening international relationships between the College and countries in Asia, including China, Japan, and Taiwan. Following his retirement in 1999, Smith continued to build international partnerships between the College and students in the Far East. Not only did Smith have an impact on international relations with the College, but he also served as a Springfield College swimming coach for 23 years from 1966 through 1989. During his long-standing tenure with the swimming program, he instructed both the men’s and women’s teams on different occasions, as well as serving as diving coach for a period of time starting in 1967. From 1986-1989, Smith performed double duty leading the swimming programs and also directing the International Academy.Written on the back of the photograph: Bruce Mitchell "Mitch", Dave Laing, Mike Gobin "Gobie", Dave Siconofi "Sig", Coach Smith "C.J.