Hall of Fame
Rich Ryan, a native of Mt. Gretna and a resident of Collegeville, was Shippensburg’s first swimming All-American.
During his career, Ryan was the first Shippensburg swimmer to win an individual event at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship and the first Red Raider to set a PSAC record. Ryan was the first PSAC swimmer to break the one minute barrier in the 100-yard breaststroke and won the PSAC title in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Ryan’s time of 59.68 in the 100 breaststroke remained the school and conference record until 1983.
In 1978, Ryan was the first Shippensburg swimmer to earn All-American honors in an individual event and was among the first four men to earn All-American honors as part of a medley relay team. That year Shippensburg placed 16th in the country at the NCAA Division II national championships. The 400-yard medley relay placed fifth in 3:35.727 and Ryan was fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke in 59.690 and sixth in the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:13.594
The following year Shippensburg finished 12th in the nation and Ryan placed eleventh in the 100-yard breaststroke. The Red Raiders’ 400-yard medley relay finished fourth in 3:32.53
In 1980, Ryan helped the Red Raiders’ 400-yard medley relay team take ninth place in 3:33.68. He also earned All-American honors in the 200-yard breaststroke by finishing 12th in 2:11.90. During his career, Ryan earned All-American honors seven times. Shippensburg finished 12th in the team standings again.
Ryan entered the business world after graduation where he became a financial analyst with Bell Atlantic.
