Strategic Wellness and Insurance Management, Inc. (SWIM, Inc.) president Jeff Ungvary was inducted into the Ithaca College athletic hall of fame on October 7, 2016 for his accomplishments in swimming. Ungvary is only the fifth swimmer to be inducted into the Ithaca College athletic hall of fame since its inception in 1969.
Jeff Ungvary was one of the most accomplished swimmers to ever come through the Ithaca College program over its 51-year existence. Ungvary amassed 11 All-American honors over four years, which ranks third all-time, while also claiming 10 UNYSSA and ICAC titles. He balanced swimming with Dean’s list accolades in six semesters, was Chairperson of the President’s Host Committee, a Student Congress Representative, an Ithacan contributing reporter and acted as “The Couple’s Quiz’s” game show announcer.
His first All-American performance came during his freshman season, as Ungvary placed eighth in the 800 freestyle relay. The following year, Ungvary was 14th in the 800 freestyle relay and 16th in the 400 freestyle relay. A total of eight All-American showings poured in over the final two seasons in relay events – 200 and 400 medley relays, and 200 and 800 freestyle relays, and garnering 200 individual freestyle honors.
During his senior campaign, Ungvary captained the team to its first undefeated season, extended the team’s winning streak to 28 consecutive meets – the second longest streak in IC Athletics history at the time – and received the ECAC Medal of Merit for excellence in academics, athletics and within the campus community. He was also an UNYSSA All-Academic Team selection.
Ithaca posted a 46-4 record with Ungvary on its roster and placed within the top 14 three different years at the NCAA Division III Championships. Of the 199 dual meet races he swam, Ungvary finished first 102 times for a 51-percent win ratio. He was a three-time Ithaca College Booster Club Scholar-Athlete of the winter season, and received the team’s Most Valuable Swimmer award in the two seasons he led the team in points and wins. Before graduation, Ungvary’s individual efforts put him in the top 10 times in each of the 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 1650 freestyle events as well as two relay events.