Margaret M. Clark†
Inducted 2001
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Best Known for: Coaching-Swimming
Jan. 1, 1911-May 15, 2005
Margaret Clark and swimming are synonymous in Brownsville. It's that simple. No other person ever has done more for swimming than she did. Clark taught thousands of children and adults how to swim, including some who now have their own learn-to-swim programs. She began teaching swimming in Brownsville in 1930. She received certification as a First Aid Instructor and Water Safety Instructor in 1942 and organized the first Learn to Swim program in Brownsville in 1956. In 1990, she began a water exercise class that she taught past the age of 90.
Her service to the Brownsville Independent School District is legendary. She taught for 50 years from 1931-1981 and was always involved in extracurricular activities in the area of physical education. Some of her achievements include organizing the first girls' drum and bugle corps and drill team at Brownsville High School in 1937, and later the Eaglettes in 1964. She co-organized the first Sams Relays track meet in 1964 and helped in track meets at Sams Stadium for 26 years. Three generations of girls who attended BHS and Hanna High and participated on the drill team and Eaglettes will have always fond memories of Ms. Clark's instruction, in which she demanded precision and grace.
Clark received two other honors in 2001 aside from RGV Sports Hall of Fame induction. She received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and spoke at Commencement on May 12.
But her crowning achievement and lifelong dream became a reality in 2001 when a new state-of-the-art Olympic-sized indoor natatorium opened for the Brownsville Independent School District: the Margaret M. Clark Aquatics Center.