Ed Hunter

Hi, I’m Ed Hunter. I first got involved with the PCY Masters group all the way back in 1976. A couple of years later, in 1978, I helped organize the first Masters swim meet at PCY along with my friend and fellow swimmer Dave Ebner. Since then, I’ve had the chance to participate in three YMCA Masters National Meets—2017, 2019, and 2022.

My swimming background is pretty modest. When I was in high school, we didn’t have a pool on campus, and the team had to practice about three miles away, which made things challenging for a lot of students. I didn’t get much competitive experience back then, but I did swim in two intramural meets while I was an undergrad at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA—probably around 1966. I can’t say I was fast, but I didn’t finish last, and that felt like a win to me!

What keeps me coming back to the pool after all these years is the great exercise and the people. I really enjoy swimming freestyle, especially the 200 and 500-yard distances. The other strokes are a stretch for me—literally and figuratively—but I give them a try now and then. I like workouts that focus on freestyle and being around others who enjoy the sport as much as I do.

Outside the pool, one of my favorite things to do is play the piano. I volunteer weekly at two local hospitals—Bethesda North and UC West Chester—where I get to share music with patients and staff. It’s something that brings me a lot of joy.