John Retrum

Anderson High School, 1996 – 97


John is a two-time individual state champion. John’s first title came at the 1996 championships in the 500-yard freestyle. He also finished as runner-up in the 200-yard freestyle that year. As a senior, John repeated as champion in the 500 freestyle, setting a state record of 4:29.29, breaking fellow Anderson alumnus Todd Griner’s record. He finished as runner-up in the 200-yard freestyle, going the second fastest time ever at the championships with a 1:38.40, breaking the record but not setting it. John continued his swimming career at Pennsylvania State University where he was a three-time All-American and captain his senior year. He was part of the 1999 Big Ten Championship team, Penn State’s only men’s swimming and diving conference championship team. At the 2001 Big Ten championships, John was a member of the 400-yard freestyle relay that won and set a new Big Ten record. John is now a dentist, living in Fishers, Indiana. He is married to Kylee Wells, also being inducted into the 2019 Hall of Fame class. They have three children, Ryland, Eleanor and Clara Mae.