Long Beach's Don Gambril Accepts Harvard Swim Job

Don Gambril, the internationally famous swimming coach at Long Beach State, will succeed retiring Bill Brooks as Harvard's head swimming coach.

Gambril phoned associate director of Athletics Baaron B. Pittenger yesterday afternoon to accept the position, but his appointment must be approved Monday by President Pusey and the Corporation. A formal announcement was scheduled for that afternoon.

"I think it's the greatest honor and opportunity I've had since entering coaching." Gambril said last night from Huntington Beach, Calif.

Harvard told Gambril that he could bring his own staff with him, but he decided that he wanted assistant coach Benn Merritt, also a candidate for the head job, to stay in his presest position. However, if the Corporation approves, Gambril will bring Skip Kenney as the diving coach, a job now held by Harold Miroff.

Gambril was selected by director of Athletics Robert B. Watson after a special committee had filtered applications to come up with four final candidates and then interview them. "The committee didn't make a decision; the athletic director did." one member of the group said. "Make that absolutely clear."

Originally, Gambril specialized in coaching high school football, heading swimming as an extra duty. But in his six years in college programs, he has coached swimming only.

His success in this short time has been phenomenal. Gambril has won the AAU men's outdoor long course championship twice with his Phillips 66 Club in the summer, while his Long Beach team was fifth in the NCAA's in both 1970 and 1971.

In 1968, Gambril was assistant men's Olympic coach, and he is a nominee for the head job in 1972.