Few schools can match Grove City College’s tradition of excellence in swimming and diving. Earl Mays of nearby Butler High School helped launch that tradition during his stellar diving career from 1959 to 1963.
Mays earned four letters under the tutelage of coach Jim Longnecker. He captured Penn-Ohio diving titles in 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1963 and led the Wolverines to a 35-11 dual-meet record during that career.
As sophomore co-captain, Mays played a pivotal role in Grove City’s nine-win season. The team placed 2nd in the Penn-Ohio Championships, which represented the program’s best finish in five years.
Mays also served as team co-captain for the 1961-62 season. That year, the team recorded its first undefeated season by claiming victory in all 12 meets. An 11-1 mark followed in 1962-1963, along with Grove City’s second straight Penn-Ohio championship.
He concluded his collegiate career as the College’s record-holder in both the one-meter and three-meter diving events.
Earl was inducted into Grove City College’s Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1985. Ten years later, he entered the Butler (Pa.) Sports Hall of Fame.
Following graduation with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Mays spent six years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of captain. His working career concluded in 2005 after 33 years with Westinghouse/Northrop Grumman.
