Bruce Bove

Swim Coach - 2018 inductee

"Bruce Bove represents a first for the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame – he was the first active coach to be inducted. "Bove" as he is respectfully called by all his swimmers and others, was in his 49th year of coaching, and 43rd year of coaching swimming at Shawnee Mission South. During this time, he coached 30 individual State Champions, 10 State Championship relay teams, 8 Sunflower League Championships, and 5 team State Championships – tied for second most amongst all coaches at Shawnee Mission South. Bove and swimming go hand-in-hand at Shawnee Mission South. He was revered by his athletes and was a constant presence at South. His consistency is represented by his State Championships – the first of his championships was in 1981, and his most recent was in 2013. However, all accolades aside, what sets Coach Bove apart is his ultimate commitment to the community of Shawnee Mission South. He taught science at South for 41 years and was the Science Division Coordinator for his final 5 years of teaching. His children attended South, and he continues to live in the attendance area. His legacy of work and commitment continues to live on in the Shawnee Mission South swimming community. Bruce has proven to be a very popular coach for the Shawnee Mission South community – it is fitting that he is the first active coach to be inducted. Congratulations Bruce, the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame welcomes the very popular – and very deserving – "Bove."