EDWARD MC CULLOUGH

A nationally renowned senior swimmer that has established numerous state and national records. He began his career as a basketball star at Claysville High School and took up swimming at Slippery Rock State College from 1957-1961. There he won a conference championship in the 200 backstroke. and helped the 400 medley relay to a conference title.

Ed gained his fame as a senior swimmer, in addition, this extraordinary man excelled as a teacher becoming an Ohio Centennial Teacher and Presidential Awards for Excellence nominee and current Buhl Club swim instructor grabbed attention.

In the 40-44 age group, he set numerous AAU and YMCA state and national marks, including posting among the AAU National 10 best times to become a member of the elite AAU National Top Ten Team. In 1978 he took 7 first places at the Pennsylvania state YMCA meet, setting 6 records.

He followed in 1979 with 7 more firsts. In 1980 he was National YMCA age group champion in 50 / 100 and 200 backstroke as well as the 1650 freestyle.

In the 45-49 age group, he won national titles and set national records in the 100 and 200 backstrokes at the National YMCA Masters Swim Championships in Chicago in 1983. He has continued to dominate masters swimming events to this day. This past year he won 4 gold medals and one silver at the Ohio State Bicentennial Senior Olympics on top of winning 5 gold medals at the Keystone State Games. He established age group records (65-69) in all 5 events.

He has served more than 30 years as a PIAA swimming official and was the first licensed swimming official in Mercer County. He helped found and serve as president of the Shenango Valley Swimming Chapter for officials of the PIAA.