Renee Riccio McCutchan, an accomplished West Virginia University swimming alumnus, died this week after a year-long battle with melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. McCutchan was 50 years old.
McCutchan, previously known as Renee Riccio, was an accomplished young athlete, having set the national YMA record in the 50 free as a 10-year old. She also set every team record while she attended The Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey.
McCutchan led the Mountaineers to an Atlantic 10/Eastern Conference Championship Title. While at WVU, she qualified for three NCAA Championships (1991-1993) as an individual. She received CSCAA All-American status in 1991 (50 back) and 1992 (100, 200 fly). She’s still one of only seven female swimmers in WVU history to qualify for at least three NCAA Championships.
Her 200 I.M. time of 2:02.38 posted in 1993 is the fourth-fastest in school history, and her 200 fly (2:00.06) ranks fifth. She’s one of only two swimmers from her era with times fast enough to rank in the school’s all-time top 10.
McCutchan also trained with Jack Nelson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the lead-up to the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she finished 13th in the 100 fly with 1:02.16.
McCutchan was inducted into the Blaire County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Oh no! Renee was my team captain at Peddie. She was the kindest, sweetest person ever. I’m heartbroken.
Renee was my roommate at Peddie. I just heard about her passing. She was the sweetest, most gentle, sincere person. She was a beautiful soul and a legend for the ages as a swimmer. +May your memory be eternal, dear Sister.+