Hall of Fame
National caliber breaststroke performer who ascended from strong Chicago Park District program to reach AAU, Pan American Games, and U. S. Olympic Trials. "Erika was tremendous, a national class swimmer," said Jack Pettinger, a fellow Chicago Park District program product and former head men's swimming coach at Wisconsin (1969-93). "In that era, she was probably the best female swimmer in Chicago, if not Illinois. She was a national-level swimmer for quite a while." Began career at age 12 with Chicago's Portage Park Swimming Club under the tutelage of Ralph Erickson (1957). Competed in AAU state, regional, and national meets (1958). Qualified for Pan Am Trials at Portage Park and placed 13th in 100-meter breaststroke (1959). Splashed onto national scene with sixth-place performance (1:15.3) in 100-yard breaststroke at National Indoor AAU Women's Swimming and Diving Championships at Bartlesville (OK) (April 14-15, 1960). Finished second in National Indoor AAU 100-yard breaststroke (1:15.6) at Hialeah (FL) (April 7, 1961). Qualified for Olympic Trials in both 100 and 200 breaststroke (1960). Posted best time in country (3:08.1) for age group in 200-meter breaststroke (1960). Placed in three consecutive AAU U.S.A. Senior Women's National Outdoor Championships (1960-62). Swam two years at Northern Illinois for coach Pat Blake (1962-64). Won 50 and 100-yard breaststroke at Women's Collegiate Championships at Michigan State and shaved four seconds off national 100 record with 1:17.4 time (1962-63). Chicago Schurz grad.
