Episode 1: George Block

Game On! with Mary Ullmann Japhet and Jenny Carnes kicks off in the only way it could, with decorated former swim coach, vice president of USA swimming and a founder of San Antonio Sports, George Block. George talks about the beginnings of San Antonio Sports, where it’s all headed and everything in between. Uncover the emotions and frustrations that put things into high gear and learn why George thinks San Antonio’s legendary tacos mean the city can have legendary facilities too.

George’s Complete Bio

Block served as director of aquatics and assistant director of athletics for the Northside School District. He developed the Northside Aquatic Center into an internationally recognized center for athlete development. Block developed nine Olympians, 50 UIL state gold medalists, more than 285 all-Americans, Olympic Trials qualifiers in 1984-88-92-96-2000 and 2008, and numerous national and junior champions. He has produced Olympians in three different sports (swimming, triathlon and pentathlon) and Olympic swimmers from four different countries (United States, Nicaragua, Egypt and Algeria).

He was awarded the Phillips 66 Performance Award and was named the Coca-Cola Texas Coach of Honor. The United States Water Fitness Association named Northside the top school district/community facility in the nation and Coach Block its top aquatics director.

He also received NISCA’s Outstanding Service Award. Coach Block served as vice president of USA Swimming and as the president of both the American and World Swimming Coaches Associations. He earned the Silver Award of Excellence for 20 years of national finalists, was inducted into both the ASCA and San Antonio Sports Halls of Fame and awarded the United States Olympic Committee’s “Rings of Gold.”