GREGORY CARDILLO

2025 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Gregory started his competitive swimming career in 1984 at the age of six at the East Side YMCA in Providence, RI.  As an eight and under Gregory earned Top Ten Times rankings in New England in numerous events. At the age of nine Gregory joined the Cumberland Area Swim Team where he spent most of his swimming career.  He was consistently named a R.I. Junior League All-Star primarily in the backstroke and freestyle events.

Gregory chose to attend Bishop Hendricken High School from 1991-1996 swimming on the varsity team during his four years at the school.  During his swim career at Hendricken, while swimming with Hall of Fame inductees Gary Spremullo, Andrew Cardillo (his brother), and Antonio Fonseca, the Hawks went undefeated in dual meets, won four State Championships, numerous regional championships including the Max Read Invitational, Brown Interscholatic Championships, Watmough Invitational meets as well as the Eastern States Invitational.  Gregory earned All-State Honors all four years at Hendricken: 1993 All-State backstroke on the 200 Yd. Medley Relay; 1994 All-State backstroke on the 200 yd. medley relay and 400 Yd. Freestyle Relay; 1995 All-State free on the 200 yd. Medley Relay (1:41.91) Hendricken team record; 100 free 49.70, 100 backstroke 55.08, 400 yd. freestyle relay; 1996 All-State backstroke on the 200 yd. medley relay ; 50 yd. freestyle 22.16; 100 yd. backstroke 54.12, 400 yd. freestyle relay 3:18.23 another Hendricken team  record.

Earning an athletic scholarship, Gregory moved on to Division 1 Old Dominion University in the Colonial Athletic Association.  He was a member of the CAA Championship Team in 1998 while also enjoying an undefeated dual meet team season.  While competing for Old Dominion he was a member of the record setting 400-yard medley relay.  Gregory also earned Top Ten Time rankins for Old Dominion Records in the 100 yd. backstroke (2) and the 400-yard medley relay (1). 

Throughout his competitive swimming career Gregory has always sought to achieve his personal best and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.