Jim Blanchard (2001) - Hall of Fame - University of Toledo Athletics

Jim Blanchard

Induction:
2001
Class:
1989

Jim Blanchard (1986-1989) is perhaps one of the best swimmers to ever compete at the University of Toledo. He set five school records in his final three years at UT, including the 200 and 400 individual medley, the 100 and 200 backstroke, and the 200 freestyle. He was the runner-up in the 100 backstroke at the 1987 MAC Championship Meet in his sophomore season, and was a MAC finalist in the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 I.M. in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. An honor roll student as a senior, Blanchard is a two-time winner of the Robert Fountain Award, competed in two USS Senior Nationals swim meets, and was voted Senior Athlete of the Year in 1989-90. Blanchard later served as UT's assistant swim coach for two seasons. A graduate of St. Francis High School in Toledo, Blanchard currently resides in Perrysburg where he is a national account executive at Dana Corp. He is married to Karen Welber, a former UT student. They have a daughter, Lauren, and a son, Jay.