Robert W. Sommer

Inducted May 2003

Rob Sommer grew up in Cumberland and swam for the Seacoast Swim Club and Greely High School.  At Greely, Rob was captain of the swimming team and established numerous pool, team and state records. 

Although Rob graduated from Greely High School in 1980, he still holds Greely High School records in the 200yd IM (1:58.11), the 500 free (4:47) and the 100 backstroke (54.69).  He was a Junior National Qualifier in 1979 and 1980.  He was a four-time High School State Champion. 

In 1980, Rob held Maine State AAU records in eight events, the 200 free, 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free, 100 and 200 backstroke, 200 and 400 IM.  At present, he still holds the oldest state meet record in the 200 IM, established in 1980. 

After high school, Rob attended Williams College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  At Williams, Rob was a 24 time All-American. 

He was Division III National Champion in the 200 backstroke and the 100 backstroke.  He is the former School Record Holder in the 100 back (52.54), the 200 backstroke (1:54.19), and the 200 IM (1:54). 

Rob was captain of the Williams Swimming Team in 1984.  He also played four years of water polo at Williams, where he earned All New England honors as goalie and field player. 

After graduating from Williams College, Rob went on to earn a Masters of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.