Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame
Peter Harding
- Induction:
- 2003
- Class:
- 1970
One of the greatest swimmers in Lehigh history, Peter Harding shattered a number of records in his time as a Lehigh swimmer.
“Pete was a quiet leader who led by example, but he was definitely the stud of the team,” said teammate Charlie Sultzer '72. “I don't think there's any question that he laid the groundwork for the program's success. Everybody knew that he was a very talented breaststroker, and his name came up in recruiting all the time.”
Harding made an immediate impact at Lehigh, placing second at the AAU National Championships in 1966. As a sophomore, he finished first in the breaststroke at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. For his efforts, Harding earned the Pete Morrisey Swimming Award for the first time - an honor he would win three times in his Lehigh career. A team captain, he led the team to its first winning season in 12 years enroute to capturing a MAC team title. He was an All-Collegiate Swimming Team selection as a sophomore, junior and senior.
All in all, Harding was undefeated in dual meet competition in both the 100 and 200 yard breaststrokes. He was ranked in the top 10 worldwide by Swimmer’s World Magazine. Harding set the Lafayette pool record and Lehigh school record in the breaststroke, and was part of the 400 yard medley and 400 yard freestyle relay teams that set school records. Harding became the Middle Atlantic Conference record holder in both the 100 yard and 200 yard breaststrokes as a senior.
“I am stunned to have been selected for the Hall of Fame, especially when I consider Lehigh's long history and a number of great athletes who have walked South Mountain,” Harding said. “I am proud to have been chosen, and I know there are innumerable great ones that will follow.”
After earning his bachelor's from Lehigh, Harding worked towards a master’s in architecture, which he obtained from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974. He has since put those two degrees to good use. He acted as the chairman of the Architecture Review Board of the City of Pepper Pike (Ohio) since 1987. Harding is also the building committee chairman of the Country Club of Cleveland.
Harding and his wife Sue have three children, James, Bob and Jenny.
“Pete was a quiet leader who led by example, but he was definitely the stud of the team,” said teammate Charlie Sultzer '72. “I don't think there's any question that he laid the groundwork for the program's success. Everybody knew that he was a very talented breaststroker, and his name came up in recruiting all the time.”
Harding made an immediate impact at Lehigh, placing second at the AAU National Championships in 1966. As a sophomore, he finished first in the breaststroke at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. For his efforts, Harding earned the Pete Morrisey Swimming Award for the first time - an honor he would win three times in his Lehigh career. A team captain, he led the team to its first winning season in 12 years enroute to capturing a MAC team title. He was an All-Collegiate Swimming Team selection as a sophomore, junior and senior.
All in all, Harding was undefeated in dual meet competition in both the 100 and 200 yard breaststrokes. He was ranked in the top 10 worldwide by Swimmer’s World Magazine. Harding set the Lafayette pool record and Lehigh school record in the breaststroke, and was part of the 400 yard medley and 400 yard freestyle relay teams that set school records. Harding became the Middle Atlantic Conference record holder in both the 100 yard and 200 yard breaststrokes as a senior.
“I am stunned to have been selected for the Hall of Fame, especially when I consider Lehigh's long history and a number of great athletes who have walked South Mountain,” Harding said. “I am proud to have been chosen, and I know there are innumerable great ones that will follow.”
After earning his bachelor's from Lehigh, Harding worked towards a master’s in architecture, which he obtained from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974. He has since put those two degrees to good use. He acted as the chairman of the Architecture Review Board of the City of Pepper Pike (Ohio) since 1987. Harding is also the building committee chairman of the Country Club of Cleveland.
Harding and his wife Sue have three children, James, Bob and Jenny.
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