Mark Bezbatchenko (1989) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Mark Bezbatchenko

Induction:
1989
Class:
1976

1973-76
Swimming
‘76

He comes from sports-minded family that has been aligned with UA since 1949. The second of five sons born to Michael, a retired UA engineering professor, and Mary Bezbatchenko, Mark followed older brother, Michael Jr., into swimming for the Zips. Before he was finished with his four-year career (1972-76). Mark would establish several new school records and became the first and only participant in his sport to ever earn Athlete of the Year (1976). Mark quickly asserted himself, capturing team scoring honors (74 ½ points), helped set a new 400 medley relay record and was named Most Valuable Swimmer as a freshman. He repeated top scoring honors as a sophomore (84 points) and as a senior (85 points)—earning the Most Valuable Swimmer Awards both seasons. Enroute, Mark established new marks in his specialty, the 200-yard butterfly, the 400 individual medley and swam a left in the 400-yard freestyle relay. In 1976, Mark, who was voted captain, led the Zip mermen to a 7-3 record while enjoying his best performances of his career. He set three Memorial Hall pool records and teamed with others to establish new standards in the 400 and 800 freestyle relays as well as in the 400-medley relay.