Shawn McCluskey
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Sport:
Swimming |
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Year
Graduated: 1982 |
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Year
Inducted: 1989 |
An inspiration to all who have followed, Shawn McClusky owns
the distinction of being the first swimming All-American in
Boston University history.
She earned the reputation as the best backstroker in New
England, and the list of school and regional records she set
gave solid foundation to the claim.
A three-time team MVP, McCluskey collected 47 first place
finishes in dual competition, and was a member of the Terriers'
first Greater Boston and New England Championship teams.
Having captured high school All-America honors on two occasions,
McCluskey quickly established herself at the collegiate level,
too. As a freshman, she won the GBC 50 and 100 yard backstroke
events, then placed first in the 50 yard at the New Englands,
where her meet record time allowed her to qualify for the
nationals. At the AIAW Championships, McCluskey earned her
first of two All-America selections with an 11th place finish
in the finals.
A solid sophomore year was followed by a return to national
prominence in 1981. She copped another All-America honor in
her specialty, the 50-yard backstroke, with a 12th place showing
at the AIAW Championships. She also dominated the regional
scene, winning the 50 and 100 competitions at both the Greater
Boston's and New England's in 1980 and 1981.
Her senior year of 1982 was noteworthy because of six first
place finishes in just four dual competitions and another
greater Boston title in the 50 yard backstroke.
The successes of the Boston University swimming program continued
after her graduation from the University's School of Public
Communication in 1982, but Shawn McCluskey's contribution
to setting the process in motion was officially recognized
with her election to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
