University of Vermont Athletics

James Mackay 1984 - Swimming

The 1984 winner of the Semans Trophy, James Mackay,  set several school-records over his standout four-year career as a swimmer at Vermont.. A two-time Vermont Swimmer of the Year, Mackay captained the team as a senior. His outstanding performances in the water, and his grace and leadership poolside, clinched his Hall of Fame induction, which came in 1997.

"James is one of the nicest young people I've ever been associated with," UVM swim coach Joe Fischer said. "He was a tremendous leader with a consistent demeanor and personality. Always positive, he would swim any event to help the team. A tremendous team performer and true gentleman, he loved UVM and was a tremendous representative for the school."

Mackay's main event was the 200-yard breaststroke and in a meet on March 2, 1984, he swam the event in a blistering 2:10.03, setting a new UVM record. Mackay also set freshman records in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke, set the varsity record in the 100 breaststroke and was part of a record-setting 400-yard medley relay team. Mackay set numerous pool records in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke throughout his career and he dominated in the 200 event. In 39 meets, he finished first 27 times and second in 10 races. He was third once, and only once did he finish out of the top three in that event.

As a senior, he finished second in the event at the New England Championships to earn All-New England honors. Mackay won the gold medal in the 50 and 100 breaststroke for the six years straight.

Mackay took third place in the 100 breaststroke in the 1992 International Police and Firefighter Olympics. He has also run in two New York City Marathons and is a regular competitor in triathlons around the state. He is also a member of the New York City Fire Department Swim Team.