I knew pretty soon after my first visit that this was where I belonged...
Meet the Bishops: Get to know a little about Austin Strayer of the Ohio Wesleyan men's swimming & diving team.
Name: Austin Strayer
Class year: Senior
Major: Spanish
Minor: Education and Latin American Studies
How/Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
Ohio Wesleyan was the first college I visited (out of 9 or 10), and none of the other ones I visited compared. The OWU campus is beautiful, the academics are great, and the swim team is just awesome, so I knew pretty soon after my first visit that this was where I belonged.
How/Why did you choose your major?
I love working with kids and had known for a while that I wanted to be a teacher. Spanish is the subject I enjoyed most in high school, so I thought, "Hey, why not try out Spanish education?"
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose the athletics program at Ohio Wesleyan because I love the DIII mindset that is so prevalent here. Everybody is here competing because they love the sport so you know that the athletes are truly passionate about what they're doing.
Is there a specific coach or teammate who has helped you get to where you are?
My swim coach, Richard Hawes, is the main reason I have improved so much in my four years here. He knows everything there is to know about swimming and it’s clear to see when he’s writing up workouts or helping us with stroke technique. He pushes us to do our absolute best. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have made nearly as much progress as I have here under his guidance.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’d like to travel to Spain and teach English to Spanish students for a year or two before I move back to Ohio and find a teaching job somewhere around Columbus.
What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
It’s pretty basic, but I love the cheeseburgers at Bun's. I always make my parents take me there after swim meets!
What is the best piece of advice you've received?
"Treat others the way you want to be treated" is a great piece of advice that I try my best to live by every day.
When you're having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
When I’m having a bad day, I like to hang out in my room, watch The Office on Netflix and order pizza (how many episodes I watch and how much pizza I order depends on how bad of a day I’m having).
What are your three favorite movies?
My all-time favorite movie is Mamma Mia! I also love The Great Gatsby and La La Land.
by Madison Bridger '21
