Michael A. Peppe

Inducted: 1994

He led the way in achieving varsity-sport status for swimming and diving at Ohio State. His teams won eleven (11) national collegiate championships, twelve (12) big ten championships and one (1) AAU championship. In his 32 years as a coach at Ohio State University, he also left a lasting impact internationally on competitive swimming and diving. Techniques pioneered by Mike are still used by today's U.S. coaches.

Mike was born in New York City, but moved to Columbus at the age of 10. He was a graduate of Ohio State. He joined the O.S.U. physical education staff in 1928 and retired in 1963. He lived in Upper Arlington for 30 years.

He was actively involved in the Y.M.C.A. and American Red Cross. He is included in the swimming hall of fame and the swimming & diving facility at O.S.U. is named the Peppe Aquatic Center in his honor. He also coached the U.S. divers in two Olympic Games - 1948 and 1952.

Mike left an unrivaled record in swimming and diving circles. He is remembered by former students, colleagues, friends and family for his humor and wit. He was a man known worldwide but loved for his genuine warmth and kindness.