John Closs was a standout of the Bonnies men's swimming program during the 1970s. He stepped on campus in 1972 and immediately made an impact as a freshman, winning four state titles in the butterfly. He also was part of a state crown-winning squad in the 400-medley relay.
At the time of his graduation, he held seven school records – five individual (100-fly, 200-fly, 50-free, 100-free, 100-breast) and two relays (400-medley relay and 400-free relay). During his Bonaventure career he broke the school's butterfly records a whopping 11 times and on 10 occasions he set new school standards at the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships.
He placed fourth in the 100-breaststroke at Eastern Intercollegiate Championships in 1976 as a senior, becoming just the second Bonnies swimmer to place in the top-six at the meet, breaking current Hall of Fame member and All-American Rich Bohan's school record in the process.
In 1976, he scored 26 of Bona's 41 total team points at the Eastern Collegiate Championships, 23 of which came in individual events.
A multi-sport athlete, he also ran for Bona's track and field team as a sophomore where he competed in the 400-meter hurdles and the long jump.
Â
Â
