Grand Valley State Athletics announced today the passing of longtime GVSU swimming & diving coach, Dewey Newsome. Newsome, who was inducted into the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, began his career at Grand Valley State as the Director of Aquatics in 1984. However, he quickly became the University's first-ever head swimming & diving coach and held that position until his retirement in 2007.

Dewey mentored 110 student-athletes that earned Academic All-GLIAC honors and the men's and women's squads combined to earn 36 team academic awards from the College Swim Coaches Association. In addition, 12 Lakers earned 28 Scholar All-American honors. Dewey coached 51 student-athletes that claimed GLIAC titles and 30 student-athletes that earned over 140 All-America honors during his career. Newsome's 2004-05 men's team captured GVSU's first-ever GLIAC swimming & diving team title. The Laker men finished among the top three in the final GLIAC standings 19 times during his career, while the Laker women placed among the top three 14 times. Newsome, who was named GLIAC Coach of the Year seven times during his career, tutored nine student-athletes who have been inducted into the GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Newsome family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Grand Valley State swimming & diving program in memory of Dewey Newsome.

Below is a link to give in honor of coach Dewey Newsome.

Dewey Newsome Memorial Fund 

In the box labeled, "I want to support", scroll down until you find Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Fund. Complete the form and check the box to give in memory of Coach Newsome.