Hall of Fame
The Canisius High School swimming team of 1950-51 under Coach Paul Lamb broke down the barrier that had for years separated Catholic natators from their counter-parts in the public schools. Realizing that he was developing an outstanding group of swimmers, Mr. Lamb took on the strongest competition available in Western New York. The result was a string of victories without defeat over rivals such as Kenmore, South Park, Tech, North Tonawanda and riverside.
This undefeated record merited a trip to Princeton University for the Eastern States High School Championship Meet. There the medley trio of Rudy Bucheit, Mike Regan and Charles Wilson came away with the title. A short time later on a second trip to Princeton the seven man squad of Bucheit, Regan, Wilson, Dan Guz, Tom Jakiel, Don Salva and Ed Johnson finished second in a field that included nationally ranked squads. The Crusaders' remarkable effort was highlighted by Bucheit's first place finish in the 100 yard backstroke and the championship effort in the 200 yard medley relay by Guz, Jakiel, Salva and Regan.
On this occasion, after almost half a century, Canisius High School honors the achievements and contributions of these pioneer Crusader swimmers and their beloved coach, Paul Lamb.
