For Dan DeWeerdt, being in the water is second nature. A passion that began in childhood still shapes his days, from training with the Whitefish Bay Masters fitness swimming group to competing in grueling triathlons.
The Radtke Director of the Selig-Jaffee Marquette Mentors program and senior engagement director in the Office of University Advancement is now sharing that passion with the campus community by spearheading the Marquette Masters swim club.
Gaining inspiration from late Marquette University President Michael R. Lovell, a fellow triathlete who had started his own running group, DeWeerdt thought the idea of a swim club would be popularamong faculty, staff, alumni and students. In January, the club started meeting at the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation pool three times a week, from noon to 1 p.m. The club is planning on meeting year-round this upcoming academic year.
“The goal of Marquette Masters is to promote wellness and build a swimming community, regardless of whether you’re faculty or staff,” DeWeerdt says.
This past semester, the group grew to 10 members who swam at different levels. Workouts are provided under DeWeerdt’s leadership, and he typically leads the hourlong workouts by writing instructions on a whiteboard.
“Dan has really been the driver of the whole group,” says Joel Rollings, head coach of the Marquette women’s swim team. “He’s asked me a couple of times to write something up, but he has an amazing amount of energy. Not just for the sport of swimming, but with bringing people from different parts of the campus together.”
One of the club’s goals is to help participants have a better work-life balance and remind everyone to stay active throughout the day. DeWeerdt would also like the club to have opportunities to meet for coffee or lunch along with having the club gain new members.
Registration is $25 for campus affiliates (university faculty and staff) and alumni. It is complimentary for students. (In addition to the registration fee, Wellness + Helfaer Recreation membership is required. Register here.)
For more information, contact DeWeerdt at daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu or (414) 288-4740.
