Robin Butler Bright, a former All-American, is one of the top female swimmers to come out of Syracuse. From 1965 to 1975, Bright swam with the Syracuse Chargers. In 1974, she was ranked 20 th in the world and seventh in the United States as a 16-year-old in the 200-meter backstroke. Her record at SU from 1976 to 1980 is unparalleled. She was a team captain and a three-time All-American. She held nine individual team records and eight SU pool records in eight events. Bright is a 17-time New York State Champion and 12-time Eastern Champion. In 1978, she was an All-American in the 400 individual medley. In 1979, she was an All-American in three events: the 400 individual medley, 200 individual medley and 200 medley relay. In 1980, she received All-American honors in the 400 individual medley and qualified for the USA Olympic Trials.

 

Bright is active in her sport as a coach in the Syracuse City School District. She began her career in coaching at Henninger in 1982 and moved to Nottingham in 1985 where she continues to develop outstanding swimmers. Her overall meet record through 2001 is 123-60-3. Her girls teams won 55 consecutive meets in the Metro Division and captured eight OHSL Championships. She has had a hand in developing seven high school All-Americans and four New York State Champions. At one time, Nottingham held nine of the eleven swimming records, two New York State records and one MVP award from the state swimming meet.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1974: Nationally-ranked swimmer in the backstroke

 

1976-1980: Swam for Syracuse University and won All-American honors

 

1982: Named to the SU Orange Plus Hall of Fame.

 

1982: Began varsity coaching career at Henninger High