August 3, 2009

Students and Alumni Take to the Roads and Waterways to Assist Charities

Burning Energy, Doing Good 1

Courtesy J. David Gatz

J. David Gatz, left, and Syed Usman Javaid

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close Burning Energy, Doing Good 1

Courtesy J. David Gatz

J. David Gatz, left, and Syed Usman Javaid

By Erica R. Hendry

Swimming 21 miles, even as part of a two-man relay, sounded daunting enough. But doing it in the treacherous waves, chilly temperatures, and unfamiliar waters of the English Channel seems a "little crazy."

Or at least it sounded that way to J. David Gatz, a rising senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, when his friend Syed Usman Javaid suggested last year that they tackle what is often called the Mount Everest of swimming challenges.

For Mr. Javaid, the challenge was a way to

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