Central Bucks East To Dedicate Pool To 2 Legendary Coaches

BUCKINGHAM, PA — The Central Bucks East Natatorium will be formally dedicated in December to two legendary coaches whose names are synonymous with swimming excellence: Tom Kane and the late Ed Walsh.

Between them, Coach Kane and Coach Walsh served CB East swimmers and their families for nearly a century, producing a combined record of 689-323-9, including many local, regional, and state team and individual titles.

An official dedication ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. at CB East. It will be immediately followed by the annual Relay Carnival, which will bring together swimmers from nine teams across the district in the spirit of camaraderie and competition in a season opener.

More than 150 athletes are expected to participate in the dedication event, cheered on by alumni, families, friends, and swim fans.

About The Coaches

Tom “T.K.” Kane, a lifelong Doylestown resident and 1967 CB graduate, led the CB East Girls Swim Team from 1976 through 2022, amassing an extraordinary 414-136-7 record.

Under his leadership, CB East’s girls’ teams captured 14 District One individual titles, eight Suburban One League Championships, and produced numerous state medalists and All-Americans.

A beloved English teacher and longtime department chair, Kane also served for decades on the District One Swimming Steering Committee, helping shape the sport statewide.

Ed Walsh began coaching at CB East when the school opened in 1969. Over 37 seasons, his teams compiled a record of 275-187-2, earning multiple Suburban One League Division Championships and sending dozens of swimmers to state-level competition. His meticulous coaching style, early-morning practices, and attention to detail inspired respect from athletes and colleagues alike.

Known for mentoring hundreds of young lifeguards and swim instructors, Ed continued teaching the sport he loved long after his retirement. He passed away in 2023.

A Tribute to Tradition

“Ed and Tom built more than just successful teams; they built a family," said Kevin McCann, the current CB East head swim coach and a 1998 East graduate who swam under both men. When McCann was inducted into the CB East Hall of Fame in 2008, Coach Walsh offered the remarks at the ceremony.

"They both dedicated their lives to that pool and to their athletes. They are the reason I came back here to coach," said McCann.

CB East Principal Chad Watters added, “The CB East Natatorium dedication honors two legends whose passion, leadership, and commitment shaped generations of swimmers. Their legacy goes far beyond the lanes and lives on through every athlete who had the privilege to learn from them.”

The Natatorium Dedication Ceremony and Relay Carnival are scheduled to take place on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 4 p.m. at CB East (2804 Holicong Road, Doylestown). All members of the community, CB East alumni, and swim families are invited to attend and celebrate the milestone event.

Local businesses interested in sponsoring the event or supporting CB East Swim & Dive may contact Sherry Petrakis, events committee chairperson, by emailing CBESwimDive@gmail.com