Feb. 5, 2009
Villanova, Pa. -
The Wildcats are set to honor former great Tom Tracey by inducting him into the Villanova Swimming Hall of Fame on Saturday February 7th. The Wildcats will be hosting Syracuse in their final meet of the season, while welcoming back alumni for the event.
Tracey, a member of the Villanova team from 1994 to 1997, rewrote the record books and earned National recognition during his time as a Wildcat. He was a five time All-American, three times in the 100 Backstroke 1995, '96 and '97, once in the 200 back in 1997, and once in the 400 Medley Relay in 1996.
The 1997 NCAA Championships are what put Tracey and Villanova on the National stage as Tracey earned two top five finishes. In the 100 back, Tracey finished with a time of 47.57 earning him a 3rd place finish. He finished in 5th place in the 200 back with a time of 1:44.40. Tracey's accomplishments earn him a spot on the Wildcats Wall of Honor.
Tracey also had record breaking performances in the BIG EAST Championships. In 1996 Tracey broke the BIG EAST meet record in the 100 back with a time of 47.81. His other individual BIG EAST win came in the same event a year earlier, 1995, with a time of 48.03.
Along with his individual accomplishments, Tracey contributed to four different relay teams that won BIG EAST Championships. In 1995 he swam the first leg of the 200 medley relay, which finished with a time of 1:31.64. The Wildcats won the 400 medley relay from 1994 to 1996 as Tracey headed all events.
Tracey's name is all over the Villanova history books as he holds two individual Wildcat records. In his final season, 1997, he set the 100 and 200 yard back times of 47.44 and 1:44.26 which have yet to be broken. Tracey was also a part of all five of the relay teams that have recorded the fastest times. He swam the first leg in both the 200 and 400 medley relays and was the final swimmer in the 200, 400 and 800 free events that hold the Villanova records.
Along with his swimming success, Tracey excelled in another water sport. As a member of the Wildcats Water Polo team, Tracey earned All-American recognition. Tom Tracey made an amazing impact on the Villanova swimming program and they are proud to place him on their Wall of Honor.
