Spencer enters Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Jerry Spencer, a 1982 graduate of the University of Arkansas and the first All-American swimmer in school history, was recently inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame in Little Rock, Ark.

Spencer joined the Razorbacks from Sacramento, Calif., in 1978 and had an immediate impact on the Razorback record books. He was a five-time All-American between 1979 and 1981 in the 50 and 100 freestyle, the 400 medley relay, and the 400 freestyle relay.

Spencer was part of the 1981 Razorback 400 meter freestyle relay team that set a world record time, and his 100 meter split of 22.4 seconds was also a world-best. At the 1981 NCAA Championships, Spencer became the first Arkansas swimmer to break 20 seconds in the 50 yard freestyle, clocking 19.8 seconds.

While rewriting the Razorback record books, Spencer also excelled in international competition. He represented the United States at the 1981 World University Games in Bucharest, Romania, and was a medalist in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and a member of the winning 400 freestyle relay team. Spencer was a member of the US National team from 1980 to 1983, and helped set American and world records in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, as well as the 400 medley relay.

The Arkansas swimming Hall of Fame selects annual inductees each year based on candidates' outstanding achievement and significant contribution to Arkansas swimming, exemplary moral character, and good sportsmanship.

A successful businessman, Spencer has maintained his roots in both California and Arkansas. He lives in California and is currently a Vice President at Walmart, where he has worked since 1988. Spencer and his wife, Tricia, have two children, David and Ariel, who will both graduate from the University of Arkansas this month.

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