SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame
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George Breen exemplifies the qualities needed for selection into the Hall of Fame. Breen was the greatest swimmer Cortland has ever had. Coached by the renowned Dr. James E. "Doc" Counsilman, Breen won national and international prominence for his superlative accomplishments. A three-time college All-American and six time A.A.U. All-American, Breen held sixteen national titles by the time he retired as an active swimmer. He also held four world records in the 800 meter, 880 yard, 1500 meter and mile freestyles.
Breen was a member of two Olympic teams. In the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne, Australia, he won two bronze medals in the 400 and 1500 meter freestyles and one silver medal in the 800 meter relay. In the 1960 Olympics at Rome, Breen captained the swimming team and won a bronze medal in the 1500 meter freestyle.
He was named as a member of the American team that was sent to compete in Japan in 1955 and again in 1959. In 1959 he also was chosen as captain of the U.S. swimming team for the Pan American games and went on to place first in the 400 meter freestyle. His final award as a swimmer came in 1963 when he was elected to the Helms Hall of Fame.
After retiring as an active swimmer, Breen turned to coaching. He coached the Riviera Club in Indianapolis from 1960 to 1962 before returning east to Philadelphia to coach the Vesper Boat Club boys team from 1962-65.
UPDATE: George passed away on Nov. 10, 2019 at age 84.
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