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It was through the efforts of John Buckholtz that swimming became one of RIT’s most successful sports. The Irondequoit, N.Y. native and Cortland State graduate started men’s swimming as a club sport one year before the present RIT campus opened in 1968. For the next 16 years, Buckholtz built a perennial power, one that saw the Tigers compete in 14 NCAA Division III Championships, resulting in 37 All-Americans. He resigned his coaching position after the 1983-84 season after RIT placed ninth at the NCAA’s held at Emory University In Atlanta, GA. Since then, Buckholtz has continued as a physical education instructor at RIT. During his era, the team compiled a 141-48 dual meet record. Buckholtz was at the helm in 1970-71 when the Tigers posted their only undefeated season (16-0) en route to 22 consecutive wins covering two seasons. In his tenure, RIT won two Empire Athletic Association (formerly Independent College Athletic Conference) crowns and finished runner-up in two Upper New York State championships. Buckholtz guided 31 swimmers to UNYS crowns against competition from Division I, II and III schools. From the very beginning, RIT swimmers were splashing their way to titles. The crowning touch came in 1981-82 when Barry Zacharias captured the first national title in RIT swimming history, taking the 400-yard individual medley. Zacharias is one of five Hall of Fame members who swam for Buckholtz. Other previous inductees include Mike Cahill, Don Carlson, Paul Bartels and Jim Shank.
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