Aaron Kurtzman, 78, was born in Plainfield , NJ . He first entered the competitive world of swimming as a Freshman in High School. As a senior, he was All-East (first place) in the 100 Butterfly.

He continued to swim while attending Seton Hall University , NJ , only 14 miles from New York City . Again, he excelled in his specialty, and was an All American in the Butterfly. Kurtzman was inducted into the Seton Hall, Hall of Fame, for his outstanding accomplishments.

Kurtzman swam in the 1950 Maccabiah Games, in Israel , and was the champion in the 200 m Butterfly. He served in the Navy during the Korean War, and in 1952, was a member of the US Navy Olympic Swim Team.

After college, he was the President of his own business forms company.

Kurtzman had an interesting experience with his favorite fly stroke, but not in the usual sense. In 1948, he swam in the 4 Mile Senior National Long Distance Championship, in NJ. You guessed it......four miles of butterfly! Why? “I was 18 and did it for a steak dinner and a medal. I finished, and wasn't last!”

In 1980, he joined Masters, while living in NJ, “Because my brother, Joe, belonged.” He's been with the Mavericks since 2000, following Joe's example.

Among his outstanding achievements, he lists winning an Eastern Collegiate 200 Butterfly Championship and in 1985, he was a National Masters Champion in the same event. For many years, he has also been ranked as a USMS Top Ten swimmer.

Kurtzman has another specialty, which takes him from the pool to the croquet court. Another accomplishment he is most proud of, is his National Masters Croquet Championship.

His goal is to keep in shape so he can swim at another Masters Nationals, when he's 80. Kurtzman is retired and lives with his wife, Joan (married since 1951), in Palm Beach Gardens , FL. Their family includes three sons and six grandsons.

back to history | back to newsletter