Knox College Athletics

Bradley Routon was a four-year member of the men’s swimming team who graduated in 1968. He held five individual Knox swimming records at the time of his graduation and was an NCAA All-American during his senior year.

Brad set Knox records in the 100 yard freestyle, 200 individual medley, 200 yard freestyle, 200 backstroke, and the 500 yard freestyle. He was also the member of two relay team records in the 400 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay.

Several of Brad’s teammates and his coach remember his achievements, leadership, work ethic, and character.

Former teammate Norm Close ’68 said Brad was an inspiration to the team. “All of us knew Brad was special and that his natural talent was a challenging call to action for all of us to be our best. He raised the level of achievement. He inspired our best efforts in practice, in meets, and in re-writing the Knox records board. We all know Brad is a natural, Knox’s ‘The Natural.’ Never ‘The Ego.’ Always accepting his awards humbly and with deference, with as shyness (and a bit of mischief). His team was his biggest fanbase. And we were all better; we all got better; we achieved more because we just knew we could…Brad could.”

Coach Tod Brown ’65 talked about Brad’s work ethic. “Brad had a great work ethic and was extremely committed to Knox swimming. He held a majority of the Knox team records by the time he graduated in 1968. His crowning achievement was going to the NCAA Small College Nationals, placing and gaining All-American status in the 100 yard butterfly. As you can see, Brad was one of the most dominating athletes in his sport during his years at Knox.”

Chip Evans ’68 said his teammate led by example. “Brad demonstrated that hard work paid off in lower times and setting records. He would not dwell on the negative and even tried to encourage us by telling us how good we were.

After Knox Brad served in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines and Scotland.  He then went on to own Pop Schultz Market and became well known to the town folk of Henniker, New Hampshire, especially the students at New England College.