JOSEPH PRATA

1985 INDCUTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Joe started his career under Roy Watmough at the Wanskuck Boys’ Club in the early 1940’s.  

In the 1940 New England Boys’ Club championship meet, he was the top scorer.  In 1944 he won the New England Junior 300 yard individual medley and the 200 breaststroke events in A.A.U. competition, and in the same year Joe won the New England Boys’ Club championship in the 300 individual medley, 200 breaststroke, and the 150 backstroke.

In 1944 he set an American record in the 100 meter backstroke.  In 1945 he won the National Junior 200 meter freestyle event, and in 1946 Joe won the Nation Junior 100 meter freestyle.  One of his noted accomplishments was in 1946, when he defeated the nationally acclaimed swimmer – Joe Ventura – in the 100 yard backstroke.

Joe went on to swim for Ohio State University, making the All-American NCAA swimming team.

In 1946 he was selected by the Boston Herald American as the top A.A.U. swimmer in New England along with Clara Lamore.

Joe has had a successful coaching career in competitive swimming and water polo in El Granada, California for the local high school team, and he still competes in Maters swimming competition.