Accumulating an astounding record of 341-47-2 over 20 years, Coach Wilmot “Babs” Babcock certainly knew how to win. After starting the Williston Academy swimming program in 1951, Coach Babcock took the team to 15 New England Championships — 11 of them in a row. This legacy also produced 15 national prep champions.

Coach Babcock attended Springfield College as a wrestler, and completed graduate work at Dartmouth College, Harvard University, and Boston University. He was named business manager at Williston Academy in 1943.

Described as a “legend” by those who knew him, Coach Babcock’s success lay in his ability to both attract and develop some of the best swimmers in New England, said Rev. Dr. Theodore Babcock, who swam for the coach.

“Williston’s absolute dominance in swimming during his coaching years is a testament to Babs’ skill as a coach and leader,” Rev. Babcock wrote.

Coach Babcock passed away on May 29, 1978, and the school’s pool was named in his honor.