Steve Shipps

Steve Shipps, a 1988 DeWitt graduate, is arguably the greatest individual swimmer from DeWitt High School and one of the most celebrated swimmers in the history of the sport in Michigan. His record-setting accomplishments are phenomenal. He was selected First Team All-Area all four years of high school, and he was named All-Central Michigan Swim League 12 times. Upon graduation, Shipps held every DeWitt record in swimming and set 27 different pool records across the state. A four-time high school All-American, he won five individual state championships throughout his career. He was the first person to be chosen the Michigan Swimmer of the Year three times (1986, 1987 and 1988), and he held the state record in both the 100 and 200 freestyle events when he graduated. These accomplishments did not come on natural ability alone. His internal drive was a big key to his success in the pool. His daily work ethic made Steve a great leader and role model for his fellow swimmers. Led by Shipps, the 1987 team featured 10 All-State swimmers and secured a top five finish in the state. At the end of his senior year, Shipps was chosen as DeWitt's Male Athlete of the Year in 1988. A top five recruit nationally, Shipps would eventually earn a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University. His success certainly did not end at the collegiate level. As a senior and team captain at Michigan State, Shipps would become an All-Big Ten swimmer, highlighted by his selection as an NCAA All-American in 1991 in the 200 freestyle relay.