Xavier Prep announced that the Memorial Mass for legendary swim and dive coach Gerry Seaquist will be held Saturday on its campus at the Chapel of our Lady.

Seaquist, 85, passed away on Jan. 26. He underwent heart surgery in December.

Seaquist won 13 girls state and swim titles, the most in Arizona Interscholastic Association history, and two runner-ups. He also taught history at the school.

Seaquist also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Saturday’s mass will start at 1 p.m. and a reception will follow, Xavier Prep athletic director Sister Lynn Winsor said.

“Coach Seaquist brought out the best in his swimmers,” Sister Lynn said. “His desire to help them become accomplished swimmers, true teammates and to respect the sport of swimming was a hallmark in the years he spent at Xavier Prep as our swim coach.”

During his 30-year decorated career, Seaquist was inducted into the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004 and named the AIA’s Girls Swim Coach of the 20th century.

“He was so proud of being named the AIA Girls Swimming Coach of the Century,” Sister Lynn said. “The plaque he received for that honor will hang here at Xavier in his memory.”

Seaquist is survived by his wife Sandy, sons Joseph, Jeffrey and John, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Sandy and Seaquist celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Jan. 24. Jeffrey and Seaquist were the architects of Xavier Prep’s swim and dive dynasty.