On The Pegs October 2019 -Volume 4 - Issue 10 | Page 28

On The Pegs
28
RITC’S “COACH” HONORED
AT ILSE OF MAN
Retired teacher, acclaimed hockey coach and
Rhode Islan Trial Club president, Carl C. Swanson
(right in photo), has been honored by the Manx
Trials Club on the Isle of Man. The Carl “Coach”
Swanson Award was introduced at the conclusion
of the prestigious Manx International Classic Trial,
a time honored two day motorcycle event held
annually on the island nation located in the Irish
Sea.
The challenging off-road event has competitors
traverse difficult sections of terrain across the two
hundred square mile island. Riders from through-
out the world bid for entry to the prestigious
event. 2019 marks the second year that Swanson
has lead a US contingent to the event. He has
been the oldest rider to complete the event with each outing. “It is in recognition
of this accomplishment that an award bearing his name was introduced and a
trophy commissioned to honor him” said teammate Dr. Herbert J. “Hub” Brennan.
“He is a giant of a man and is deserving of this honor in many ways.”
Ian Lees, Secretary of the Manx Trials Club noted, “Cheers to Coach! Whilst we
welcome overseas entrants to the trial each year, few bring the gravitas of Coach
Swanson. Competing successfully at his age earns him the admiration of us all. We
hope he will return again next year”.
Local craftsman Adam Andrewskiwcz, also of Coventry, was commissioned to
craft the trophy which features a Revere silver bowl atop a base of black walnut.
“I was both honored and flattered to be part of this commemorative event”. said
Andrewskiwcz.
Swanson, 77, lives in Coventry, Rhode Island and is a retired educator and hockey
coach, having taught in both Coventry and East Greenwich. He was recently in-
ducted into the East Greenwich Athletic Hall of Fame. He is President of the Rhode
Island Trials Club. n