PETER G. SOLOMON

1988 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Peter started swimming at the Barrington YMCA, where his coach was his mother, Pauline Silven Solomon.  He developed by competing in the Narragansett Swim League as a member of Kendbrin Swim and Tennis Club under coach Ken Reall.  During the indoor season he trained with Coach Leo Sarcione at the Rhode Island Aquatics.  As the 1970’s progressed, Peter matured  into an age group champion under the guidance of Coach Ellis Mayers of the Seekonk Dolphins, achieving recognition as Rhode Island Swimmer of the Year in consecutive years.

Attending East Providence High School, Pete was re-united with his former coach, Ken Reall, who directed him to Rhode Island and New England titles in the backstroke.  At this time Pete was selected as an All-American swimmer, and in his senior year he was voted the R.I. Interscholastic Swimmer of the Year.  After the high school season he joined the Brown Swim Club under coach Ed Reed.  He attained further recognition by breaking the Junior National records in both the 100 and 200 yard backstroke, qualifying him for the 1979 Olympic Trials.

Graduating 15th in a class of 740 students, Peter was naturally highly recruited.  Declining many offers, including a Presidential Appointment to West Point, he decided to attend North Carolina State University at Raleigh.  He qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships in his freshman, sophomore, and junior years.  He was selected Co-Captain in his senior year.  During three of Pete’s undergraduate years at N.C.State the team won Atlantic Coast Conference championships.

After earning his baccalaureate, Pete entered graduate school at N.C. State.  He was assistant coach of the varsity team while also coaching the Raleigh Area Masters Swim Team.  He later became the head coach of Tarheel Aqua Racers, where he developed an Olympic Trials Qualifier, four Senior National qualifiers, a Junior National Champion, and a bronze medalist at the 1986 Olympic Festival.

Peter is now swimming with the New England Masters and is a regular entrant in triathlons.