Meet the Bishop Staff:  Get to know a little about Richard Hawes, head men's and women's swimming & diving coach.


Name: Richard Hawes

Alma Mater, Year:  Illinois State University '82, '89 & '91

Majors:  Biochemistry (BS), Teacher education (BS), Exercise physiology & biomechanics (MS)

Sport(s) played in college:  Swimming

What is your favorite athletics memory as an undergraduate?
Swimming a full 25 yards 3 months after a full shoulder dislocation my junior season.

What athletic or academic achievement/accomplishment (as an undergraduate) are you most proud of?
Setting all lifetime bests senior year after being injured my junior season.


What year did you come to Ohio Wesleyan as a coach?
1991

What is your favorite memory coaching an Ohio Wesleyan team?
The 1994 men's eighth-place finish at the NCAA Division III championship meet.

What athletic achievement/accomplishment (at Ohio Wesleyan) are you most proud of?
Having the opportunity to coach my son, Colin, and seeing him break two OWU school records in one race his senior year at the NCAC meet.

What is your favorite place that you have traveled to as an OWU coach?
Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia.

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to read peoples' minds.  I have to admit I don't know what some of my athletes are thinking half the time.

What is your favorite place to eat in Delaware, and what is your go-to dish there?
12 West - Blackened Shrimp Burrito.

Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
My mom, dad, and daughter.

What is your ideal travel destination?
Anywhere I can take my bicycle.

If you could visit another time, when would it be and why?
The 1970s.  I really enjoyed them.

What is your spirit animal?
Eagle

What is your theme song?
Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

What is your favorite stay-at-home activity?
Gardening and working on my bicycles.

What was the last show you binge-watched?
The Repair Shop