Hall of Fame
Jones legendary status was established in the sport of swimming & diving as one of the many outstanding mermen Oneonta had during the 1960’s. Not only will he be inducted as an individual, but he was also a part of the 1966-67 team that will be inducted as well.
Jones was a three time College All American, SUNY Conference Record holder in the 200-breast stroke and 200 IM, and a member of several record breaking 400 medley relay teams. He held Oneonta varsity and pool records in the 100 and 200 breast stroke, 200 IM, 500 freestyle, and as a member of several record breaking 400 medley relay teams that were undefeated in conference competition. Sandy was team co-captain for three years. He was an eight time SUNYAC champion in a three-year period earning the most points scored by a single swimmer at the 1965 and 1969 SUNY Conference Championships. He was recognized as the most valuable swimmer for the 1968-69 swimming season.
Jones missed the entire 1965-66 season with a heart condition that required complete rest. Toward the end of the 1966-67 season he began training with the team on a limited basis, and was selectively entered in dual meets leading up to the Conference championships. He qualified for the NCAA championships with Ron Magin, Ted Bears, and Mike Christie placing seventh and receiving All-America honors in the 400 Medley Relay, and placing fifteenth in the 200 breast stroke.
Over his final two seasons, Jones improved in the 200 breast and 200 IM to repeat his previous performances. He qualified for the NCAA College Championships in the 100 and 200-breast stroke, and as a member of the 400-medley relay team.
He graduated in 1969 with a bachelors of Arts degree in Pre-Medicine and Biology. He finally recovered from the heart condition in 1971. He has had a sales career with General Electric, worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and worked the past 32 years as an analyst, Environmental Protection Specialist, policy analyst, and Biologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
