Eddie began swimming as a young child and developed into a National Champion/All American Swimmer training under Johnny Galvich at the Riviera Swim Club.  At the young age of 13, he was the Winner of the Junior National 1500 meter Freestyle Championship.  Eddie was also the 1959 Jr. National Outdoor Champion in the 400m I.M. In 1959, Eddie placed 4th in the  Senior Men's Indoor Nationals in the 1500m freestyle where he had to compete against the best in College Swimming...Eddie was still in high school at the time.
Eddie later went on to swim for The University of Cincinnati where he continued to excel in the sport.