Rocket Alumnus Accomplishes Swimming Feat
“From the time I graduated from The University of Toledo, I never stopped swimming,” says John Muenzer ’83.
“It’s been a lifesaver and curse; it’s a saver because, as life’s challenges hit me, I use swimming to stay focused. It’s been a curse because every day I have to structure my day to fit in the swimming yardage.”
While Muenzer may feel like swimming is a curse some days, he hasn’t let it stop him from being one of the few people in history to achieve both the Triple Crown and Grand Slam swimming competitions.
The Triple Crown consists of swimming at Manhattan Island, NY (28.5 miles), the English Channel (20.8 miles) and Catalina Island, CA (20.5 miles). The Grand Slam has one more swim included: Tampa Bay, FL (24.5 miles).
Muenzer aspired to swim competitively from a young age, and UToledo played an integral role in that goal. He was awarded an athletic scholarship for swimming at UToledo, which was close enough so his parents could easily attend the swimming meets.
“My UToledo college experience was really all about discipline. Because I was training for swimming every day, I had to manage that with study time and social events,” notes Muenzer.
“To this day, that discipline is incorporated into my daily routine. I also had teachers who never gave up on me. So, I took this experience and have used it in my life when working with others. Never give up on anyone.”
Most importantly, Muenzer never gave up on himself – especially when it came to completing the Grand Slam and Triple Crown, which ultimately took Muenzer 38 years to accomplish.
Swimming continued to be a cornerstone of his life, but as time passed, he got married, started a business and had seven children. He continued to rely on his disciplinary skills from UToledo to continue training while working and supporting his family.
Muenzer completed his first portions of the Grand Slam, Tampa Bay and the English Channel in 2008. In 2015, he signed up to swim the Manhattan Island portion of the races. However, that spring, his family faced a devastating loss of a family member and his responsibilities shifted as he put his family first.
When reflecting on the challenges he faced during his 38-year quest, he mentioned 57-degree water and how he was stung repeatedly by jellyfish, bumped by a dolphin and overcame swells of up to five feet.
“I did Catalina and The English Channel through the night. That was very intimidating,” recalls Muenzer.
Despite the challenges, there were many positive memorable experiences as well.
“I was able to have my youngest son, Ray, get in on the Manhattan swim as a pacer,” he explains. “He swam with me in the Harlem. He also swam the last 800 yards on the Catalina Channel taking me into the beach. It was extremely special.”
Muenzer resides in Loveland, Ohio with his wife Mary. They enjoy spending time with their seven children and 12 grandchildren, with number 13 on the way.
“I learned through this process that you never give up. I also learned that each of us is gifted in some way,” he says. “I tell people all the time, find what you are passionate about and follow your dreams.”