BEN MCBRIDE
2004 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
Ben McBride’s career began in 1976. In 1981, with a family move to Rhode Island, Ben became a member of the Little Rhody Aquatic Club. He received National Top 16 Recognition Awards, 13 – 14 age group, placing 14th in the 200meter Backstroke, 100meter Backstroke placing and 9th in the 200 meter Freestyle. In 1984, he swam at the Bristol YMCA and then later at the Barrington YMCA
As a high school swimmer, Ben swam for the Bristol High School Class B Championship Team as a freshman in 1985-86, sophomore in 86-87 and junior 87-88. He was the RI High School Interscholastic 1987 Champion as a member of the 200 yard Medley Relay team and in 1988 Champion in the 200yard Freestyle, 100 yard backstroke and a member of the 400 yard Freestyle Relay. Ben swam at Little Rhody Aquatic Club qualifying as a member of the New England Zone Team for two years. He was also a qualifier for the 1987 Long Course Junior Nationals in the 200 meter Freestyle and in 1988 Short Course Junior Nationals in the 500yard Freestyle.
In 1989-90 while at Peddie Preparatory School he garnered High School All American recognition in the 200 and 500yard Freestyles. He swam at the 1989 USS Short Course Junior National placing 6th in the 400yard Individual Medley and at the 1989 USS Long Course Junior Nationals placing 9th in the 400meter Individual Medley and 6th in the 400meter Freestyle.
His collegiate career was at Brown University swimming from 1990 to 1994. In 1992, he set the varsity record in the 1650yard Freestyle, which impressively still stands today and is the former varsity record holder in the 500 and 1000yard Freestyle. Ben was selected as the team’s MVP in the 90/91 and 91/92 seasons and in 1994 team captain. In 1991 he participated at the Eastern Championship placing 4th in the 1650 yard Freestyle and was a Senior National qualifier in the 500 and 1650yard Freestyle. Ben was a finalist in the 1992 Eastern Championship placing 2nd in the 1650yard Freestyle and 5 th in 500yard Freestyle. In 1992 he was a NCAA qualifier in the 1650yard Freestyle, ranking 26th in the country. While as a swimmer of the Bruin Swim Club in 1992, he placed 16th in the 1500 meter Freestyle Long Course Senior Nationals. He was the assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts under Head Coach Russ Yarworth in 1996 and 1997 when the team won the Atlantic 10 Championships.