ANTHONY SOLTYSIAK

1986 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

The third member of the family to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, his brother Matt and sister Edna having been inducted in 1984.

Anthony swam for Joe Watmough at the Olneyville Boys’ Club in the late 1930’s, where he excelled in all swimming strokes, winning numerous state, New England, and National A.A.U. titles.

In 1939, while competing for Central High School, he gained national recognition in the high school section of the NCAA Swimming Guide for his outstanding time in the 100 yard breaststroke, defeating all the top state and New England swimmers.  Anthony was a strong competitor in Harvard Interscholastic meets and Brown Interscholastic meets as he swam to victory in the 100 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, and 100 freestyle events.

He attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he was elected Captain of the team in the 1948-1949 season.  While attending Bowdoin he set numerous school records.

In 1983, Anthony received the Joseph L. Tracey Award for his contribution to swimming in Rhode Island.

He has been a member of the R.I. Interscholastic Swimming and Officials since 1961m serving as president of the association from 1969 through 1971.