Frank Tillotson, 84, "The Story Teller". His early swimming began in the Atlantic Ocean, off Long Island, New York. After farm work, his brothers would swim a bit, if it was calm, and they were never bothered by sharks. In the spring of 1936, Frank ventured into the Old Armory pool at Cornell University, and was asked if he wanted to learn to swim. Frank said, "Sure". He was told to lie on his back, pull with his arms over his head, and kick. He did this for ten days, unnoticed. From April until June, he had lessons. Coach Scotty Little, assured him the ocean would not do for summer swimming, but, Noyac Bay across the island, would. As often as possible, Frank drove the eight miles after work, and swam from a dock to the beach, 1.25 miles round trip. Once, about a half mile from shore, he kicked a shark. Luckily, the shark swam away in disgust! Returning to Cornell in the fall as the only backstroker, he swam on the team until he graduated in the spring of 1939. For many years, he was busy with work and family and had no access to a pool. He moved to FL and joined St. Pete Masters in 1973, and in 1988, swam for Holmes Lumber at the Worlds. Frank has spent countless hours organizing Masters swim meets, editing the FL newsletter, and officiating. In 1996, he helped found the Mavericks, and has swum on the 1997 & 1998 men's National Championship teams. Frank lives in St. Petersburg, FL.

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