Hall of Fame
Pete Tarnapoll was a true Pioneer during his time with the Utica men's swimming and diving program, serving as the team captain for the program's first few years of their official transition to a varsity sport. Tarnapoll was a true team player and a versatile swimmer, often competing in any event in order to keep the team competitive in its early stages as a varsity program. During his three seasons of varsity competition (1976-1979), Tarnapoll was a qualifier for the Upstate New York Championships in each campaign, ending as a 200 backstroke finalist during all three years.
In his senior year, Tarnapoll was awarded the Utica College Outstanding Senior award, which combined athletics, academics, service to the community, and professionalism. Upon his graduation, Tarnapoll held school records in a plethora of events, including the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1,000 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 200 individual medley, 400 individual medley, 200 breaststroke, 200 butterfly, 400 medley relay, and 400 freestyle relay. Tarnapoll's swimming success has extended beyond his graduation date as well, with the Pioneer alum staying active in the swimming circles ever since.
Post-graduation, he continued his career as a competitive pool swimmer, long-distance swimmer, and as an administrator with one of swimming's national governing bodies (U.S. Masters Swimming). He achieved a third-place finish in the 200 backstroke at the U.S. Masters National Championships in 1986 and an All-America nod thanks to his 5th place finish at the 1987 U.S. Masters National Championships, also in the 200 backstroke. He's experienced massive success in the long-distance swimming category too, becoming one of the first 85 people in the world to complete the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28.5 miles). He was always willing to give back to the swimming community, an area in which he is unmatched in both success and passion.
