MAARTEN KRAAIJVANGER

2009 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Maarten Kraaijvanger enters our Hall of Fame as a dominant New England collegiate swimmer and water polo player for Boston College Class of 1992.  Maarten started swimming at age 11 for the South County YMCA swim team.  He learned the game of water polo at age 16 playing for LRAC.  He made a name for himself in the swimming and water polo world after entering Boston College.  Fellow RIAHOF and Providence College coach John O’Neill stated, ‘it was a privilege having Maarten swim with our LRAC team as a youngster, but was one of our toughest college opponents.’  Boston College coach Tom Groden added, ‘Maarten was a fierce competitor and talented swimmer who was all about team-he always left it in the pool. He found so many ways to take on any swimmer and come away with a win. He always showed respect for opponents.  He was so important to the success of both teams here at BC and is a source of pride for our program.’

            Maarten/s accolades include; being chosen MVP by fellow BC swim and water polo teammates during all four seasons.  Two time BC “Harold Groden Outstanding Performance Award’, BC Alumni “Lauren Schwartz Excellence Award’, Current BC all- time leading scorer and holder of four individual school records in 200, 500, 1000, and 1650 freestyles (1:40.80, 4:30.83, 9:43.03, 15:50.52). National Catholic 200 freestyle champion, five time New England Champion (1) 200 free, (1) 500 free, (2) 1650 free, 1992 Muir Award given to graduating senior scoring most points in New England Championships over four years, and participated in 1000 free at the 1991 Junior Olympics.  Water Polo included second team all New England 1988, First Team 1989-1991, Junior National Champion with LRAC water polo team 1989, BC team records (in a season); most goals (52), kick-outs drawn (31), 5 meter penalties drawn (6), total points (72). RI lifeguard races champion summers of 1989-1990.