Dennis Putman (Water Polo/Swimming & Diving, 1965-67): Former head coach Monte Nitzkowski called Putman, “the greatest pure swimmer he ever coached.” In water polo, Putman was a first-team All-Metropolitan Conference selection both years and was also named all-state in 1965. As a sophomore, he was the LBCC team MVP and a first-team All-American selection. On the swim team, he would set LBCC all-time records in the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1650-yard freestyle events. He would also set the Southern California record in 100 and 200 freestyle (1966), and national records in the 100 freestyle (1966) and 50 freestyle (1967). Also as a sophomore, he was named Southern California MVP and All-American. Following LBCC, he went on to compete at Long Beach State in both water polo and swimming (1967-69). In 1968, he earned first-team all-conference honors in water polo and helped lead his squad to a runner-up finish at the national championships. His 1968 swim team won the NCAA College Division National Championship as he finished his collegiate career as an All-American in the 100, 200 and 500 free.