Jeff Rolan, a 1975 NCAA swimming champion, died on March 18 at the age of 69, just two days before his 70th birthday.
Born on March 20, 1955, in San Diego, Rolan displayed a talent for swimming at a young age. After graduating high school, his prowess in the pool helped earn him a full-ride scholarship to the University of Utah. He was the first member of his family to attend college.
Rolan became the Utes first NCAA champion in 1975, winning the title in the 100 fly in a time of 48.95. At the time, he was only the third man in NCAA history ever to swim the event in under 49 seconds. Rolan remains Utah’s only national champion to this day.
Rolan continued to turn in top performances throughout his career. He won three events at the WAC Championships in 1976 and was named an All-American swimmer in 1976 and 1977. After graduating in 1978, Rolan went on to swim for the U.S. National Team before coaching swimming at several high schools in Salt Lake City.
In 1996, Rolan was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame; he was the first swimmer to be inducted and is one of only nine members to ever be inducted from the sport.
Outside of his roles as a coach and teacher, Rolan had a passion for stage performance. He performed in theaters around Salt Lake, bringing to life shows such as To Kill A Mockingbird and Beauty and the Beast.
In recent years Rolan began studying voice-over and took up the role of announcer for his granddaughter’s volleyball games at Cottonwood High School.
Rolan is survived by his wife Jan, two children and four grandchildren, as well as multiple sisters, nieces and nephews.
RIP Jeff! My condolences to all your family and friends.