Richard A. Lucas

Inducted May 2001

Dick graduated from Portland High School in 1950.  He was a high school All-American three years from 1948-1950.  In 1950, he broke the national record in the 300 yard Medley Relay, the 150 yard Medley Relay, established an American record of 26.8 in the 50 yard backstroke, and established a world record in the 50 yard backstroke of 26.1. 

Also in 1950, Dick tied the national schoolboy record in the 100 yard backstroke (59.9) becoming the first high school swimmer to break the minute barrier.  It is interesting to note that the national record in both the 300 yard and 150 yard Medley Relay (Lucas, Gordon Sellick and Warren Knowles) still stands today. 

Dick won the Peaks to Portland swim in 1947 at the age of 16, which was the youngest ever at the time.  He is currently a member of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.