Robert Ley

Robert began swimming in 1979 at the age of 5 with the Pine Tree Swim Club under Coach Ernie Tarling. His age group career found him swimming with Bulls Eye Swim Team, Westbrook Seals, Seacoast Swim Club, New England Health and Racquet Club before finishing his career with the Portland Porpoise's.

When he was 12 he had set 7 individual state records.  By 14 he had set 6 individual records for the age group and was part of one relay state record.  At 16 he set 3 more individual records and at 18 an additional 6 individual state records for the 17-18 division.

 While competing in the Middle School league set league records in all but one event.

His high school career saw him attend Deering, Peddie School in N.J. and finally at Cheverus High School, ’92.  Undefeated in his Maine H.S. races, Robert set several school records and two State Records in the 200 IM which lasted for 11 seasons and as part of the 200 medley relay.  He was a 2-time High School All-American in the 100 breast and 200 IM.  He also participated in Track and Football.  In 1992, the Portland Press Herald named him Maine Swimmer of the Year.

For the 1993-94 season, Robert attended and swam for Indian River Community College in Florida and participated in NJCAA Championship swim meet, winning titles in 400 & 200 medley relays and 200 IM, also 3rd in 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke. He was a 5 time Jr. College All American, in those events.

From 1994-99, Robert was a part of the West Virginia University swim team.  While swimming at the Atlantic 10 Championship meet, he placed 1st in the 400 Medley Relay and 4^th in the 200 IM. WVU then switched to the Big East Conference and was a finalist the next two years swimming 100 Breast and 200 IM.

Robert married his college sweetheart.  They have seven children and currently live in Nebraska.