Bucknell University All-East water polo goalie Tony Paxton began his water polo career at the University of Michigan, but he transferred to Bucknell after the Wolverines discontinued their men’s program. He became a three-year starting goalie for the Bison, leading the team to three straight Eastern championships from 1978-80. Those teams also placed sixth, fifth and seventh, respectively, at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship and had a combined overall record of 86-10-3. The 1980 team set a school record with 31 wins, and the 1978 squad won a record 21 games in a row.

Paxton backstopped a defense that permitted him to set and continue to hold Bucknell’s season (.657) and career (.633) save percentage records. He also graduated as the team record-holder in career saves (833), despite playing only three years. His school record stood for 21 years before being broken in 2001. Paxton was named to the All-East First Team in 1978, 1979 and 1980, and he was an honorable mention Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) All-America in 1980.