Knox College Athletics

Paul Shimotake graduated from Knox in 1985 as one of the most highly-decorated swimmers in College history. He was a four-year letter winner who realized his goal of qualifying for the Division III nationals.
           
Paul captured five Midwest Collegiate Athletic Conference individual titles. He won the 200-yard backstroke in 1982, the 100-yard backstroke in 1983, the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events in 1984, and the 200-yard back-stroke in 1985. Paul was also a member of the 1983 record-breaking 200-yard medley relay team.

Paul found his most success as a senior in 1985. That year, he qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in the 100-yard backstroke after winning the Midwest Conference title in that event. In preparation for the National Meet in Atlanta, Head Swimming Coach Bob Meehan said of Paul’s effort, “I’m excited for Paul as we prepare for nationals. He has contributed much to Knox swimming, and it only seems fitting that he has the opportunity to compete against the best.” Paul still holds the Knox records for the 100- and 200-yard backstroke.
           
Paul served as co-captain of the swim team for each of his last two seasons. His teammates voted him Most Valuable Swimmer in 1984 and 1985. He was named Most Valuable Swimmer in the seven-team Knox Invitational from 1983 – 1985 and was the recipient of the Cleveland Bridgman Award – the honor awarded to the male student-athlete with outstanding performance in an individual sport in a given year.

Paul earned his J.D from Loyola University School of Law and currently serves as the Vice President and Senior Counsel for Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco. He and his wife, Mieko, live in Lafayette, California, with their children, Nicole and Alex.
           
Paul was an outstanding leader for the men’s and women’s swim teams during his years at Knox. He is an example of the tremendous success student-athletes can achieve during their years on campus as well as in the professional post-Knox lives.