RAYMOND MAILHOT

2010 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Ray Mailhot was regarded as the #1 high school diver in New England during his junior and senior years at Pawtucket East High School.  Ray was a three sport athlete playing football and baseball as well as competing in diving. In 1953, Ray’s senior year, he placed first at the Brown Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships, and the National Boy’s Club Championships, and second at the New England High School Swimming and Diving Championships. Ray was named Rhode Island All-State diver and the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association All-American High School Swim Team. Ray was awarded All American honors by the Helms Athletic Foundation. Ray’s involvement in RI swimming was also through his work as a lifeguard at Lincoln Woods State Park and Twin Rivers Beach in North Providence. After graduation, Ray competed for the US Army in Texas in the 1 and 3 meter events for the Fort Hood Swim Team. Ray also was employed as a lifeguard. He later became a member of the committee that founded the Max Read Swimming Championships which began in 1970. This meet elevated itself as one of the premiere invitational high school championship events. Rays diving expertise also led to his recruitment as a diving judge.