March 28, 2024

Newton native White named to IHSSCA Hall of Fame

IOWA CITY — Larry White competed for the Newton High School boys’ swim team from 1964-66. Now, the Newton native can be found officiating Iowa high school swim meets for both girls and boys.

White is a member of the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame Class of 2018. He was inducted before Saturday 2018 Iowa High School Boys’ State Swim Championships in Iowa City.

“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I’m honored and humbled to be in the hall of fame,” White said during break in the swimming action Saturday. “I love the sport and enjoy being a part of it.”

After high school, White was on the first swim team at the State College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, in Cedar Falls. After earning his college degree, he taught and coached the boys’ and girls’ swim teams at Southeast Polk High School.

For 30 years, White led the SEP girls’ squad and coached the Ram boys’ team for 33 years. His boys’ teams produced two state champions — one in swimming and one in diving. Four of his athletes attained All-American status. Many of his swimmers and divers had podium finishes at their respective state meets.

Following the 2000 season, White became an official for both the Iowa High School Activities Association and the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union. He has worked the CIML conference swim meet since the establishment of the league.

White has been a starter for district and regional swim meets. He is a member of the state meet officiating teams at both the boys’ and girls’ state championships. He has served on the IGHSAU Swimming Advisory Committee.

White has received the prestigious National Federation of High schools’ Award as Iowa’s Girls’ Swimming Official of the Year in 2012 and the boys’ award in 2014.

As a coach, White had the privilege to coach his own children — Nick, Alissa, Miranda, Nathan and Tony. He and his wife, Sabeth, live in Des Moines.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com