Drew University Athletics

When a Drew University men's swimmer enters the F.M. Kirby Pool in the Simon Forum or any other NCAA sanctioned body of water, chances are they will be chasing a school record or otherwise speedy precedence set by Tim Lawlor '99. Fifteen years after graduation, Lawlor still held the Drew record in the 500-yard, 1,000-yard and 1,650-yard free style events, and the 200-yard and 400-yard individual medley races.
  
Lawlor's name graced the Top 15 Times list in the Rangers record book in 12 different events. At the time of his induction, his longstanding school records were one of his favorite achievements because of the type of races he excelled in. The long distance freestyle and individual medley events are widely considered to be the most grueling in the sport, yet Lawlor accepted the challenge and more often than not left the competition in his wake. He was a two-time David B. Eavenson Award winner, presented to the Mid-Atlantic Conference's most outstanding male swimmer. His success translated well from the F.M. Kirby pool to the MAC Championships, where he was a conference champion in nine individual events during his four-year Drew career. His conference dominance earned Lawlor a spot on the prestigious MAC All-Century Team for men's swimming during the 1994-2003 period.
 
A two-year captain for the Rangers, Lawlor was not the type to lead with a boisterous voice, but rather by quiet example and hard work. The Drew swimming team was never large in roster numbers, but the gentlemen on head coach Pat Mead's squad would drive each other to outsized success by training harder than the other teams. Mead taught Lawlor a lifelong lesson that he carried with him after Drew: sports are not just about playing games; dedication, hard work and the willingness to selflessly give to teammates define who you are as a person. Lawlor has retained fellow Drew swimming alumni as some of his longest and closest friends, all of whom shared this mantra.