Perry's impact felt by many

Kevin Perry was known the past 15 years as a club swimming coach in Orange County. But his impact certainly reached the high school ranks and well beyond.

The veteran coach for Fullerton-based FAST is being remembered for his many contributions.

Perry, 56, died Wednesday from prostate cancer. His viewing is today and his memorial service is Wednesday.

“I can honestly say that Kevin is the biggest reason why I am coaching today,” UCLA men's and women's water polo coach Adam Krikorian wrote in an e-mail.

“Personally, much of my success as a coach is attributed to the experiences I had being a part of his team and the life-long lessons I learned.”

Krikorian and his brothers swam for Perry during their days in Northern California.

Perry arrived at FAST in 1993. The club had been well known during its days with Janet Evans (El Dorado) but was struggling when Perry arrived, FAST coach Bill Jewell said.

Perry returned the club to prominence, producing several standouts. This season, Perry's top swimmers include USC-bound Patrick White of Mater Dei and Cal-bound Isaac Howell of Long Beach Millikan.

FAST also was recently awarded Gold Medal status with USA Swimming.

Jewell said Perry's “tenacious attitude and persistence” led to FAST's rebirth.

“He's just done a great job,” Jewell said.

Jewell said Evans is planning to attend Perry's memorial service, which will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton.

SKIMMING THE SURFACE

Haley McNamara of Crown Valley Divers and Mission Viejo High has qualified on 1-meter springboard for this week's U.S. nationals in Minneapolis. McNamara, a sophomore, and Corona del Mar senior Adam Seagondollar won a high school competition Saturday in Pasadena. …

Top dual meet of the week: Mission Viejo boys at Capistrano Valley today. …

The Foothill Swim Games return this week. Prelims are Thursday and Friday at 3 p.m. Finals are Saturday at 10 a.m.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com