Hall of Fame
Mr. John Trembley is one of New York State’s most successful swimmers. He attended Shaker High School from 1967-71, competing in a variety of sports, but achieving great success in swimming.
At the age of 16 he was the second fastest swimmer in the world, swimming the 50 yard freestyle in 20.7 seconds. That mark set a NYSPHSAA record which lasted for 15 years. During his junior year at Shaker, he competed in the Eastern Interscholastic Championships and posted a 50.5 time in the 100 yard butterfly setting a national record. That year continued to bring success as Trembley swam a magnificent 100 yard butterfly at the AAU Championships posting a similar time, but finishing second to Mark Spitz and his 50.3 time.
As Shaker’s captain his senior year in 1970, Trembley was named All-American High School swimmer in both the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard butterfly, and also ranked second overall in the nation. He was labeled the "fastest swimmer to ever come out of the East" by The Knickerbocker News, and was considered the nation's top swimming prospect coming out of high school.
Trembley's success extended to his college career at the University of Tennessee where teams he competed on never lost a dual meet, going 49-0 during his four years. He was named an All-American numerous times and became the first swimmer in the history of the NCAA to win five gold medals at the NCAA Championships. He set American swimming records in the 200 and 400 yard freestyle, and became the fastest swimmer in the world with his record-setting 20.06 time in the 50 yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships. The culmination of his success led to an invitation as a training member of the 1976 Olympic team and an induction into the Tennessee Hall of Fame in 1985.
Trembley is known for more than just his swimming records. He pioneered the "grab start" which is universally used by all swimmers today. Originally known as the "Trembley start" which he first used during a high school meet, officials first questioned this new style, however after being deemed legal it was commonly used by swimmers and still is today.
Trembley earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at University of Tennessee in 1975 where he went on to serve as head swimming coach. He has been highly successful as a college coach, posting a career .900 winning percentage and coaching dozens of Olympians and All-American swimmers since the beginning of his tenure in 1988.