Scott Mefford would qualify for Olympic trials in 1984 in the 200 backstroke. Photo courtesy of Scott Mefford

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - As a young child, Scott Mefford was afraid of the water. He can recall being scared during swimming lessons as a youngster, not wanting to get into the pool. He never would’ve imagined that swimming would become such a big part of his life and certainly wouldn’t have imagined being inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame as he will be this September for his accomplishments in the sport. 

Mefford recalls watching celebrated swimmer Mark Spitz compete during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City on television as being the lightbulb moment that made him decide to dip his toes in the water. His nearby neighbor Bob Gibson, who was on a local swim team at the time took Mefford along with him one day, and that changed the trajectory of Mefford’s life moving forward. 

After graduating from Cordova High in 1980, Scott Mefford went on to have a standout career at the University of Utah. Photo courtesy of Scott Mefford

From there, he would go on to excel in both USA Swimming and at Cordova High School. At 11 years old, Mefford would rank in the top 10 of 12 different events nationally and would carry that over into a stellar Lancer tenure. Mefford would break several school records at Cordova and parlay his youth swimming accolades into a scholarship at the University of Utah after graduating from Cordova in 1980.

A two-time All-American at Utah, he also captured Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championships in all four of his collegiate seasons and would go on to qualify for the 1984 Olympic trials in the 200 backstroke. Despite all his accomplishments, Mefford maintains a very humble perspective on being selected for induction into Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame. 

“I’m happy that they nominated me,” Mefford said. “I’m not sure that among all the people that are going in that I’m worthy of it. But it's good to be there and I'm glad they nominated me.”

Scott Mefford and his wife, Roxanne, currently live in El Dorado Hills, CA. Photo courtesy of Scott Mefford

Mefford has continued to swim in events since his competitive swimming days ended, citing the sport as a good way to stay in shape and clear your mind. He still gets into the water at least three times per week and has participated in several long-range endurance events including the Trans-Tahoe Relay in Lake Tahoe, as well as the Maui Channel Swim and the Waikiki Rough Water in Hawaii, amongst others. 

The 11th annual Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Tickets for the induction ceremony are $35, which includes an appetizer and cocktail reception and awards program can be purchased at the Cordova Community Council, visit cordovacouncil.org/ccc-events/11th-Annual-Rancho-Cordova-Sports-Hall-of-Fame.