University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Bruce L. Willard 1973 - Swimming
A 1987 UVM Hall of Fame inductee who was one of New England's premier swimmers in the early 1970s, Bruce Willard stroked his way to three titles at the Yankee Conference championships his senior year after winning two events as a junior.
It was at the 1973 conference championships that Willard triumphed in the 50- and 100- yard freestyle races and was a member of UVM's winning individual medley relay team. That year he was named Vermont's Swimmer of the Year, after leading the Catamounts to an undefeated (10-0) dual-meet record. He also served as team captain and was awarded the Semans Trophy at the annual letterwinners banquet, honoring a senior athlete for leadership, loyalty and service to the University.
In 1972 he was elected to Sigma Delta Psi, the honorary athletic fraternity. During the course of his career, Willard set the UVM freshman and varsity records in the 50-yard freestyle and swam on several record-setting relay teams.
Following his graduation from UVM, Willard became the first aquatics director at St. Michael's College, and also taught at Georgia (Vt.) Elementary School for eight years before moving to Rhode Island. His son, Tim (UVM 2001), was an all-conference soccer player at Vermont.
