The son of an Olympic qualifier who also swam for legendary
coach Charlie Butt at Springfield College, Hutchinson continued the
family tradition of excellence in the pool. As a junior in 1981 he
captured the Division III national championship in the 100
butterfly by setting a new national record of 50.88 seconds. After
twice finishing as a runner-up at nationals in the 200 butterfly,
Hutchinson closed the deal as a senior in 1982, winning his second
national crown with a time of 1:52.63. The two marks stood for an
astounding 24 and 25 years, respectively.
Hutchinson earned All-American recognition all four years in the
200 butterfly, twice in the 100 butterfly and 200 medley events,
and once in the 400 medley relay. As a senior, he was the New
England Champion in the 100 and 200 butterfly races and the 400
individual medley. He was recognized as the Robert B.Muir Trophy
winner, given by the New England Intercollegiate Swimming
Association, for the most career points at the New England
Championships.
In addition to his school marks in the 100 butterfly, 200
butterfly, and 200 individual medley, Hutchinson graduated holding
the Polar Bear record in the 400 individual medley and was also a
member of the College’s record-holding 400 medley and 400
freestyle relay teams.
A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Hutchinson now lives in
Sudbury, Massachusetts, with his wife, Dori Stauss Hutchinson, also
of the class of 1982, and their three children, all accomplished
swimmers. Kirk and Dori continue to use their talents in very
positive and meaningful ways for the common good. They started the
recreational competitive swim program in Sudbury and Hutch
participates in both swimming and cycling events to raise money for
cancer research.
