This is the first in a series of articles profiling members of the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024

ZELIENOPLE — When Josh Barthlow hit the pool, he loved playing in it.

Swimming in it was a different story.

“I enjoyed the water, splashing around and having fun,” he said. “I never thought about joining a swim program or anything. A friend of mine talked me into joining the Penn Valley (summer) team when I was 7.

“When I first tried it, I couldn’t even swim a lap. I didn’t like it at all. But Corie Jones was our coach and she kept it fun — and she made me better.”

And he kept getting better.

Barthlow, a 2004 Butler graduate, will be among eight inductees into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame during the organization’s 57th banquet, slated for 6:30 p.m. April 27 at Founders Hall on the campus of Butler County Community College.

The other inductees are Brandon Fusco, Lily Grenci, John Papa, Dana Petruska, Kevin Doyle, Tammie Kelley and John Enrietto.

“I went on to be coached by Pump McLaughlin at the Butler YMCA and within a year, I was breaking (former U.S. Olympic swimmer) Eric Nasmesnik’s records,” Barthlow said. “That’s when I figured out I could be pretty good at this.”

Barthlow went on to win the PIAA championship in the 100 butterfly in 2004. He was a five-time All-American during his high school career and became a four-time WPIAL champion, winning twice in the 100 butterfly and twice in the 100 backstroke.

He still holds Butler records in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. Through the YMCA program, Barthlow wound up ranked No. 2 nationally in the 200 backstroke and No. 3 in the 100 backstroke at the national championships.

“Just being able top qualify for states was special to me and winning states was a special thing. That was always a goal of mine,” Barthlow said. “Winning at the WPIALs ... I loved all of it.

“You don’t think of swimming as a full-time job, but it almost felt that way back then. We’d practice before school, after school, have our high school meets, our Y practices, ... You’re in the pool a lot.”

Barthlow dealt with shoulder issues throughout his high school career. He went on to East Carolina University. where he set freshman school records in the 100 and 200 backstrokes in 2005. He set varsity records in those events as well and was an All-Conference USA performer.

He was also a U.S. Open qualifier.

“My shoulder got to the point where my joints were getting too loose,” Barthlow said. “The doctor told me I needed to pull the plug on my career, even though I was on pace to make the U,.S. Olympic Trials, which was a dream of mine.

“It was rough, but I followed his advice. And he was right. I’ve had three shoulder surgeries since then and transferred to Robert Morris University to get away from swimming. That turned into an opportunity to get better work experience and focus more on academics.”

Barthlow is married to former Butler swimmer Katie Blum. The couple lives in Zelienople and have a 9-year-old daughter playing basketball and a 6-year-old son playing soccer.

Barthlow works as a digital marketing manager. He also helps coach his son’s soccer team. He is already a member of the Butler Area School District Athletic Hall of Fame,.

“I was shocked when I got the call about this county Hall of Fame,” he said. “I mean, I’ve been out of swimming for so long. To be remembered and honored like this after all that time is very surprising and very humbling.

“I’m grateful for this.”

Tickets to the BCSHOF banquet are available at www.butlersportshall.com or at the Butler Radio Network on Pillow Street in Butler, Parker Appliance in Chicora, Saxonburg Drug or Maddalon Jewelers in Zelienople.