Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/450770
38 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 The WAC didn't waste any time starting its sporting history. Even before Clubhouse construction ended, members sent a track team coached by early board member Hec Edmundson to the national Amateur Athletic Union meet in Pittsburgh. The team and its medals arrived home in time for the Club's grand opening. Handball was the original Club sport and a key reason for the WAC's founding. In just its second month of existence, the Club hosted the All-City Handball Tournament. A general sporting rivalry with the Multnomah Athletic Club proved important to both clubs' pride in the early years, with an intricate totem pole and bragging rights the award for winning the annual multi- discipline interclub championship. The original WAC basketball club, meanwhile, was formed in 1933. It turned out to be a great place for young leaders on and off the court. The basketball club's 1937–1938 president, Albert D. Rosellini, was later elected Washington state governor. A SPRINT TO START Friends and photo ops go together perfectly at the Club's premier party. M UCH OF THE WAC'S early sporting success came thanks to its first swim coach, Ray Daughters. From 1930 to his retirement in 1964, Ray coached Club swimmers to 30 world records, 301 American records, and 64 national championships. When the Olympics returned to Los Angeles in 1984, WAC synchronized swimmer Candy Costie won gold with her teammate, Tracy Ruiz. Candy's victory was a fitting tribute to Helene's achievements more than half a century earlier. In 2002, the WAC officially named the 6th Floor pool in honor of Helene Madison. For every star WAC athlete, however, there are hundreds of members whose true competition is themselves, their friends, or the clock. The vast majority of WAC members, in fact, represent Club founders' early beliefs that a balanced lifestyle—including work, family, fitness, and social and cultural endeavors—was essential to happiness. "The Club embraces its leadership role in encouraging and promoting the benefits of athletics as essential to a healthy community and individual lifestyle," Chuck says. "Our commitment to fitness and wellness has been around for 85 years and it's not going anywhere." From the corner of Sixth and Union to the highest levels of international competition, the WAC's dedication to sports, fitness, and athletic achievement stands tall. Then and now —Darrick Meneken is the Managing Editor of WAC Magazine.