Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

After transferring to RIT as a sophomore, Nancy Dowdall set about rewriting the women’s swimming records. The East Aurora, N.Y. native’s primary event was the butterfly, where she proceeded to set school marks, win state and conference titles, and earn three All-American certificates. She capped off her career as the all-time leading scorer, amassing 1,327.78 points in three seasons, a record that stood for five years. She was Senior Women’s Athlete of the Year and left her mark with four school records that still stand. While she swam all butterfly events, the 100- yard distance proved to be her bread and butter. In three successive NCAA’s from 1987 to 1989, she captured sixth, fifth and seventh places, which resulted in All-American honors. At the state championships, Dowdall won two 100-yard butterfly titles and three 50-yard butterfly crowns. Her school records include: most points in a season (491.91 in 1988-89) and three butterfly marks (50 yards in: 27.01,100 yards in: 59.29 and 200 yards in 2:16.98). Her time in the 50-yard butterfly was a New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) record.