For fifteen years, the Gladstone Fall Classic Swim Meet has been more than a competition — it’s been a place for camaraderie and connection. This year, it is renamed to honor the founder, coach, and friend, Doug Hayden.
Doug’s impact reached far beyond the pool. He had a rare gift for making each person feel valued. Whether a first-time swimmer or a seasoned competitor, Doug had a way of making you feel like you were his best friend. And the beautiful truth is, you weren’t alone, because Doug gave that kind of love freely and generously.
Many of us found lifelong friends because Doug brought us together with warmth, humor, and encouragement. His legacy lives in every shared laugh, every cheer from the deck, and every hug at the end of a race.
The newly named Doug’s Best Friend Swim Meet celebrates that legacy – a meet where we race, cheer, remember, and swim in the spirit of connection that Doug championed. If you ever felt like his best friend... you were.
Registration opening soon.
https://www.usms.org/events/events/15th-annual-dougs-best-friend-meet?ID=11270
Also check out other Sports events in Gladstone, Contests in Gladstone.