5 Super Athletes With Ties To Narragansett-South Kingstown

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Narragansett-South Kingstown area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Bill Beck (Skiing)

Bill Beck, a South Kingstown High School graduate, made a name for himself in skiing history. As a member of Dartmouth College’s ski team, he won national and North American downhill championships and achieved a historic fifth-place finish in the 1952 Olympic downhill in Oslo—the best result for an American man until 1984. Beck captained the 1956 U.S. Olympic team and later coached at the 1960 Winter Olympics. His contributions extended to officiating at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Off the slopes, Beck co-founded Skihaus stores and Beck-Goodwin, Inc., leaving a lasting legacy in both competitive and recreational skiing.

2. Carole Garnett-Wheeler (Swimming)

Carole Garnett-Wheeler represented the U.S. in swimming at the 1924 Paris Olympics before transitioning to coaching. A leader beyond the pool, the Narragansett native became active in Rhode Island civic and political affairs, serving as president of the Rhode Island Republican Women’s Club. Her dedication to sports and community left an enduring mark on the state, earning her an induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

3. Geoff Boss (Racing)

Narragansett native Geoff Boss made his mark in CART racing, winning the 1999 Toronto Grand Prix in Indy Lights. Part of a racing family, Geoff also competed in the Barber Dodge Pro Series, British Formula Ford and various sportscar events. He now works as a driver instructor, passing down his expertise while occasionally taking part in historic and endurance racing.

4. Brianna Puglia (Snowshoeing)

Brianna Puglia has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete since 2019, competing in snowshoeing, soccer, golf, bowling and tennis. A resident of Narragansett, Brianna is also a leader in Special Olympics Rhode Island’s Athlete Leadership University, training as a spokesperson for the organization. Beyond sports, she is a high school graduate, a participant in work training programs and an employee at a local supermarket.

5. Ellison “Tarzan” Brown (Track & Field)

Ellison “Tarzan” Brown, a member of the Narragansett tribe, is remembered as a trailblazer in distance running. Known for his agility and speed, he won the Boston Marathon twice, including a historic victory in 1936 that gave rise to the term “Heartbreak Hill.” A member of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team, Brown overcame challenges with perseverance, responding to criticism by winning marathons on consecutive days. In 1939, he became the first runner to finish the Boston Marathon in under 2 hours and 30 minutes.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.