University of the Pacific

Ralph Wright had a storied athletic career both at Pacific and beyond. 

He held numerous records while attending Pacific, including 100 yard breaststroke, 200 yard breaststroke and 300 I.M. relay. Before coming to Pacific in 1938, Wright pioneered the butterfly stroke using an over-the-water arm recovery and breaststroke kick. 

Wright ranked third in the nation twice while at College of the Pacific, where he also played football for legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg.

He set the Olympic and World Record in the 200 breaststroke in 1946 while swimming at the Hawaii University Aquatic Club. From 1948 through 1951, Wright was the head swimming coach at the University of Louisville and also had successful coaching stints at the Lakeside and Plantation Swim Clubs in Louisville.

Wright founded the American Swim Coaches Association and was a longtime member of its board.