MILTON FRANKLIN

1990 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Milt began his swimming career in 1948 at Pawtucket East High School under coach Max Read.  During his high school tenure he won many backstroke races and along with friend and teammate Ralph Brisco, helped East win the Rhode Island Interscholastic State Championship in 1949 and 1950.  Winning and setting many backstroke records, in 1950 Milt was named to the Rhode Island Interscholastic All State Team and also to the Interscholastic All-American Team.

While competing for East, Milt also represented the Pawtucket Boys’ Club under coach Andy Dimant.  In 1950 he broke the national record in the 150 yard backstroke and was named to the Boys’ Club of America National All Star team for his accomplishment.  Often he was recognized by the Rhode Island Swimming Coaches and Officials Association as one of Rhode Island’ outstanding swimmers.

After high school, Milt entered Brown University and competed for coach Joe Watmough.  While a freshman at Brown he broke the 100 yard backstroke record, a record that had stood for nineteen years.  His college swimming career was interrupted  when Milt enlisted in the United State Navy during the Korean War.  After four years in Navy, Milt returned to swimming as a competitor by participating in the North Attleboro Hockomock Area YMCA masters swimming program.  In addition to competing, he volunteered countless hours as an assistant coach for the Hockomock Area YMCA Hammerheads Swim Team.  Last year he helped coach the Hammerheads to their first Southeast Cluster of YMCA’s (S.E.N.E.C.Y.) championships; and helped coach them to their second straight championship again this year.