On March 19-20 the Ashland University swim & dive team plans to host a 36-hour swim-a-thon in honor of the ninth annual Ashland University Day of Giving.
Ashland University Day of Giving is stated to be “a 36-hour celebration of community and philanthropy” that is organized by the Office of Institutional Advancement. It’s an opportunity for alumni, trustees, staff, and others to come together and support the university in a number of different areas according to the Ashland University website.
In honor of this Day of Giving, the Ashland University swim & dive team will host a 36-hour swim-a-thon in the Messerly Natatorium located in the lower level of the Rec Center from Wednesday, March 19 at 8 a.m. to Thursday, March 18 at 8 p.m.
This event began last year, 2024, where Head Swimming and Diving Coach Hueston Holder came up with the idea and was able to execute it due to the team having a large number of Digital Media Journalism & Production majors to help bring the idea to life.
Junior swimmer Joshua Bachinsky is aiding in hosting the swim-a-thon, he states that “[s]tudent-athletes will take shifts swimming, with the goal being having an athlete moving in the water at all times.”
Bachinsky adds this “will be a huge opportunity to raise money for the team and help us work together to raise as much money as we can for the program.”
“Parents, Alumni, and Friends of the swim team can find a link to donate in our Instagram Bio the day of the 36-hour live event. All proceeds support the swim and dive team program,” Bachinsky concludes.
Not only will the team be hosting a swim-a-thon, but they will also be doing a giveaway. People who donate will have the opportunity to guess how many laps 10 random swimmers will do during the 36 hours.
If you are the closest to the number, you will win some Ashland Swim and Dive merchandise. You will be able to donate through the link in the swim and dive’s Instagram bio, once the Day of Giving starts.
The swim-a-thon is an in-person event where curious viewers can stop by at all times and watch participants swim for the entire 36-hours states Assistant Swimming Coach Sydney Laughlin.
“You can also stop by the pool and watch/ cheer the team on in person or come play spike ball on deck,” Laughlin said.
However, if attendees are unable to make the event in person, they’ll be able to watch it on the Great Midwest Digital Network. The network will provide a three-camera shot and live student-athlete interviews throughout the entire 36-hours in addition to various fundraising campaigns.
More information to support the swim-a-thon is located on the Ashland University official swim & dive Instagram: ashlandswimanddive.
