Hall of Fame
Rafael Perez-Mendez ’91 will long be remembered as one of the most talented swimmers in Washington & Jefferson College history. The son of an Air Force colonel, Perez-Mendez lived in many locations in the United States during his childhood, always joining the local swim team to continue the sport he loved. He attended John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas and competed in the Texas High School Swimming Championships as a senior.
He originally attended LaSalle University on a swimming scholarship before transferring to W&J for his final three collegiate seasons. Perez-Mendez won five Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships, including four individual events. The 1989 Team Most Valuable Swimmer, he set numerous school records. He owned school records in the 200 freestyle (1:47.82), 1,000 freestyle (10:34.98), 100 breaststroke (1:01.62), 200 breaststroke (2:13.82), 200 butterfly (2:01.32) and 200 IM (1:59.61). He was also a member of four record-setting relays (200 medley, 200, 400 and 800 freestyles). Perez-Mendez ranked among the top 30 swimmers nationally in three different events (100 and 200 breaststroke and 200 IM).
As a senior, he was the 100 and 200 breaststroke conference champion, while also leading the 200 freestyle relay to a title. He helped the Presidents win 27 dual meets, including an 11-2 record during his junior year. That record was the best by a men’s swimming & diving team in 35 years.
