There were few, if any, equals to Otto Piedmont during his storied swimming career at St. Bonaventure. His coach, the legendary John Skehan, called Piedmont the finest freestyle swimmer he ever had at St. Bonaventure.
In that era, before St. Bonaventure belonged to an athletic conference, the team’s top competition was the New York State intercollegiate swimming championships. There, Piedmont went undefeated in the 200 freestyle finals four years in a row. He also won the 500 free in his freshman season of 1967.
Over his career, Piedmont set school records in seven events: the 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 1,650 freestyles as well as part of the 400 free relay and 400 medley relay. Piedmont was elected team captain his senior season of 1969-70. Many of his former teammates including John Martin ’73 and Dave McClave ’69 attested to Piedmont’s talent, determination and integrity in their nominations.
After graduating, Piedmont served in the United States Navy, where he was a pilot for more than 20 years.
