Two titans in the Hope College swimming and diving program — swimmer Josh Boss ‘02 and head coach John Patnott — are joining the inaugural class of the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America Division III Hall of Fame.
The recognition aims to honor the exceptional contributions of swimmers, divers, and coaches within the NCAA Division III realm. The induction ceremony is set to take place on Monday, May 6, during the CSCAA Annual Awards Celebration in Indianapolis.
Boss was a seven-time national champion swimmer for the Flying Dutchmen. Patnott started Hope’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs in 1978 and served as head coach before retiring following the 2018-19 season.
“Joshua’s and John’s induction into the 2024 CSCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame is a testament to their outstanding talent, dedication, and contributions to the sport,” CSCAA President Samantha Barany said. “We are thrilled to honor their legacy and celebrate their achievements as part of the inaugural class of the Hall of Fame.”
Boss and Patnott represented Hope Swimming and Diving exceptionally well during their careers, head coach Jake Taber ‘04 said. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment for them both to be chosen for the inaugural Hall of Fame Classic, he added.
“It continues to speak to the tremendous history of the Hope Swimming and Diving program,” Taber said. “With how few people were recognized in this inaugural class, to have two represented from Hope is a very strong statement among the best programs in the history of d3 swimming and diving.
“Having swum with Josh, I can tell you the things he did in the water were special. He was a great leader to me in my undergraduate years and is still a legend among the current team,” Taber said. “I loved my time swimming for Dr. Patnott as well. To this day, he is my mentor. I learned from him, coached under him, across from him, and next to him. I am hopeful I’ve picked up a few things from him over the years – especially as a man of faith and how he invests in the student-athletes on his teams.”
In 2021, Boss and Patnott were respectively named to the CSCAA’s 100 Greatest Men’s Swimmers and 100 Greatest Coaches groups as part of the organization’s 100th birthday celebration.
Boss, a Jenison native, swept national titles in the 200-yard breaststroke all four years of his Hope career (1999-2002). He was national champion in the 100 breaststroke three times (1999, 2001-02).
Boss set four national records during his career. He was chosen as national men’s swimmer of the year in 2001.
Patnott, a California native, came to Hope after serving as Fresno State’s head coach from 1972-77.
Patnott led the Flying Dutch to 20 MIAA women’s titles and the Flying Dutchmen to 12 MIAA championships. He had a dual meet record of 259-45 with the Flying Dutch and 178-88-1 with the Flying Dutchmen. He coached national champions in 31 events.
After Patnott retired from coaching, he also received the CSCAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Comments