G. Thomson Pantlind was a member of the 1963 and 1964swimming and diving teams that have entered the Athletic Hall ofFame. The All-American now takes his place in the hall as anindividual inductee after helping the Britons to an outstanding31-8 record from 1963 to 1965 and accumulating a school-record 343points during his career.
Tom starred on the 1964 team which captured the MIAAChampionship with an 11-3 record, the best record for any swimmingteam in Albion’s history. He swam to third place in the50-yard freestyle in the NCAA College Division Championships,setting an Albion record in the process.
He was voted the most valuable performer on the 1963 teamwhich posted a 10-3 record including a pair of victories overCentral Michigan University. Current Division I institutionsValparaiso University and Ball State University were amongAlbion’s victims as well.
James Russell, ’63, a 2006 Hall of Fame inductee,remembered Tom by saying, “In the first meet against CentralMichigan he anchored the freestyle relay, the last race. I lost myrace to my eternal disappointment because it would have clinched avictory. That meant we had to win the freestyle relay, which weknew would be tough. He came from behind to winit.”
Russell continued, “I enjoyed his companionship andfelt he was a leader of the team, not just thefreshmen.”
Tom was also awarded a letter in track and field in 1963.When he wasn’t involved in athletics, Tom served as secretaryof the student body, and a member of the University Club and DeltaTau Delta fraternity.
Tom went on to earn a master’s degree from theUniversity of Michigan before settling into a career as a certifiedpublic accountant and an insurance company owner. With grace,courage, and hope for another day, Tom passed away on October 22,2002. He is survived by his wife, Sheila, and sons Johnand G. Thomson II and daughters Emily andKatie.
