Legacy Honored by PISD
On May 28, 2013, the Pasadena Independent School District with a unanimous vote announced they would name the new Aquatic Center in honor of Dennis Shippey. If you have been reading any of my blog you know that the last 10 years of Denny’s life, he faced the challenges of dementia. This honor is testimony that the board gave careful consideration of the letters, emails and personal conversations recommending this decision.
The biographical sketch that accompanied the request was as follows:
Personal Profile
- Teacher/Coach/Aquatic Coordinator 1976-2004
- Married
(
- Children
(Scott and Sondra) both graduates of
- Scott Shippey All American (swimming) for PISD
- Swimming
Scholarship
Educational
Profile
- State Champion and All American (swimming)
- Athletic
Hall of Fame for
- Worked in special program to teach swimming to children with disabilities
- NAIA All American swimmer
- Graduate assistant physical education
- Assistant Swimming and Diving Coach
Military Profile
- United States Army drafted ‘69
- 101st
Airborne (
Professional
Profile
- PISD teacher/coach August ’76- July ‘04
- Swim Coach Boys and Girls ’76- ‘04
- Aquatic Coordinator (last 15 yrs with district)
- Coach of the Year for both girls and boys swimming
Community Profile
- Coordinator of summer swim programs in Sagemont and Sageglen Community
- Administrator of summer swim programs for PISD
- Head Coach of Southbelt Area Summer League swim team
Achievements/Accomplishments
after the 2002 diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
- National Championships (swimming) for US Masters
- National Championships (swimming) for YMCA
- National Championships (swimming) for Senior Games
- 2007 Theron Pickle Lifetime Achievement Award presented by TISCA (Texas Swim Coaches Association)
- 2011 Texas Senior Games Hall of Fame (first swimmer inducted)
- Top 5 in the World FINA rankings (breaststroke) 2008-2009
Background
With small children in tow, we moved to Pasadena in 1976 leaving both our family and friends. We were high school sweethearts and loved our home in the Quad Cities but the opportunity to Coach swimming in Texas was more than inviting – it was an answer to prayer because Dennis did not have a coaching job at the time.
For me this was a ‘no brainer’ decision. We would go where my husband could follow his dreams. I never had any idea how homesick I would be once we got settled. Dennis was welcomed as a ‘hero’ to the Sagemont/Dobie community. He was absolutely blessed every day doing what he loved most – coaching. On the contrary, while he was busy coaching (with long hours), I was at home with two little ones (and no friends). There was a phone on the wall but no one to call. And back then there wasn’t a budget for long distance calls except for special occasions.
Dennis was sensitive to the fact I was so homesick. He suggested getting involved with church activities which did help. But in time, it was his suggestion that I attend college at $4 a semester hour. At first it was just a couple of courses on the evenings when he was home. Then once both the kids were in school full time, I attended college full time.
I give you that background because being a coach’s wife is a bit of challenge in having quality family time other than Sunday’s. And even on Sunday’s, he would tell me he needed to run check on the pool (for Monday swimmers) and would be right back. I remember being irritated at times, thinking to myself.. “why can’t someone else do that?” In the end, it was his dedication and selfless giving of time that will be his legacy.
With this announcement, there is great humility and pride knowing how blessed I was to spend my adult life with a humble, hard-working man who was deserving of honor and respect. He truly was an inspiration and mentor to many! The board's decision demonstrated their consideration of all that was presented and the history of swimming from 1976.
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