JOSEPH R. PERRONI

1996 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

At the age of seven, Joe Perroni began swimming at the Bristol YMCA, coached by Jim Dollins and John Pittman, and established many Age Group records in Rhode Island and New England. In 1975 he joined the Brown Swim Club, which was the forerunner of the Little Rhody Aquatic Club, and continued his outstanding success. Joe was ranked top five in New England from age 8 through age 18 and held Rhode Island and New England records winning events in both arenas. In addition, he won Outstanding Swimmer awards at Age Group Invitational meets and New England Championships. In 1984, he was named Outstanding Rhode Island Swimmer. He achieved top times in the country in 1979, 1980, and 1981 in the 50 freestyle and 400 medley relay.

While swimming for Bishop Hendricken, Joe was the first freshman named to the All-State Team in 1981 in the 50 freestyle. In 1982, he won all his events at the state meet and was Alt-State in the 50 freestyle, 100 and 200 medley relay. In 1983, he was second team All-State. At the Max Read Meet in 1982 and 1983, Joe was chosen Outstanding Swimmer. On December 22, 1980 and February 8,

1983 he was the Providence Journal Star of the

Week. Joe was a member of the Bishop Hendricken team that won the New England Championships in 1981 and 1983.

In 1984, he entered West Virginia University on a swimming scholarship, was elected Co-Captain of the team his senior year and graduated in 1989 with a degree in sports management. At WVU, Joe qualified for the NCAA Championships in relay events in his sophomore and junior years. During those same two years Joe was a finalist at the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships. He also won a Silver Medal at the College Swim Forum in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida helping the East defeat the West. Joe was an assistant coach for the WV Mountaineers during the 1989-1990 season and also coached the Mountaineer Swim Club.

Joe is married to the former Julie Jordan of McLean, Virginia. They have a son, Jon Domenic and live in Bristol. He is employed by Delta Dental of Rhode Island as an Account Executive for the large group market.