Al Fager

Al Fager excelled in the competitive swimming pools of the Midwest. During his illustrious career at Haworth High School, he was a two-time IHSAA state champion swimmer.

During his junior season in 1976-77, the lanky 6-foot-5 swimmer was the IHSAA state runner-up in the 100-yard and 500-yard freestyle events.

In his magical senior season of 1977-78, Fager set an IHSAA state finals record with a championship winning time of 1:41.52 in the 200-yard freestyle. He earned his second state title later in the day with a time of 4:38.07 in the 500 freestyle. According to Swimming World Magazine, Fager’s 200 freestyle championship was the second-fastest high school time in the United States during the ‘78 season.

For his high school efforts, Fager earned All-State and All-American honors. He also set Olympic Conference and IHSAA sectional meet records in the process.

Fager also excelled away from high school, winning AAU state championships in the 100- and 200-meter freestyle events. During his YMCA swim career, he placed fourth in the nation in the 500-yard freestyle.

The champion swimmer earned a scholarship to Purdue University, where he set freshman records in four events during the 1978-79 season.