She was recognized as a trailblazer who made a significant impact on University of Maryland athletics. On Oct. 18, the university honored Patty Corson Robbins by inducting her into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The daughter of Marge and the late Roland Corson of Stone Harbor, she became the first women’s swimmer to be inducted. Corson competed for the Terps from 1984 to 1987, when Maryland’s women’s swimming and diving program was still in its infancy. She excelled at the highest levels and went on to set standards for those who followed. A pioneer at the school in College Park, Md., she also made history in Cape May County by becoming the first female lifeguard on the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol. In her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to her parents for their support and dedication.
Among her accomplishments at Maryland: • First female swimming All-American in Maryland history • Four-time All-American: 200-meter breaststroke in 1985, 100 backstroke in 1986, 200 backstroke in 1986 (honorable mention), 200 backstroke in 1987 (honorable mention) • School record holder in the 100 backstroke with a time of 56.76, set in 1986 • ACC champion in the 200 backstroke in 1986 with a time of 2:03.65 • Two-time All-ACC (1986, 1987) • First Olympic trials qualifier from Maryland women’s swimming
Photo caption: Patty Corson Robbins at her October induction with her family. |