Whitman Hall of Fame
Tucker Jackson graduated in 2001 as the best freestyle sprinter in Whitman’s history, a title he held for a decade. Whitman’s only four-time Northwest Conference swim champion, Jackson held school records in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events for more than 10 years.
In his three-plus seasons at Whitman (he spent part of his junior year in Australia), Jackson never lost a 50-yard freestyle dual-meet race to a conference opponent, and he won all but one of his 100-yard freestyle events. The versatile Jackson at the time of his graduation was also Whitman’s second all-time in the 200-yard freestyle, fourth in the 100-yard butterfly and fifth in the 100-yard backstroke.
As a freshman, Jackson earned All-American Honorable Mention, placing ninth in the 200-yard freestyle and 12th in the 100-yard freestyle at the NAIA National Championships. Whitman later made the transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division III.
Jackson received the 2001 Borleske Trophy, given annually to the most outstanding male athlete. He was only the third swimmer to earn this award, which has been given since 1937.
Head Swimming Coach Jenn Blomme coached Jackson his senior season and described him as a “fierce competitor and amazing athlete.” Blomme said the senior captain’s “enthusiasm and positive spirit were an inspiration for the entire team.”
