Type Of Business:
Special olympics
Expertise:
Coaching; Teaching swimming
Major Product/SVS:
Raising public awareness of the abilities of persons with disabilities; Encouraging and supporting those with disabilities to compete in athletic events
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending time with his family; Playing the drums
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in History and Education, Duke University (1959)
Affiliations Awards:
Board Member, League for People with Disabilities, Baltimore
Industry:
Athletic Coaching
Date of Distinction:
8/25/2011
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Mr. Wetzler believes there is a huge difference between being "involved" in an activity and being "committed" to an activity. In any paths that he takes, he is fully committed and gives his very best from beginning to end.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
The most gratifying aspect of his career is being able to set a quality example for his family, which includes his wife of 51 years, their two sons and seven grandchildren, as they are a family-driven unit.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highglight of his career was bringing Down Syndrome world record holder, Andy Miyares to Baltimore in 2009, to swim with Micheal Phelps and Katie Hoff.
Charity:
Special Olympics; League for People with Disabilities
Number Of Years In Profession:
7
Number Of Years In Current Position:
7
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to the support of his wife, Marni, of 50 years, his passion to help others, and seeing the smiles and the satisfaction on the faces of the special olympic athletes, and helping them achieve their personal goals.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession after working for the Baltimore Special olympics swim team when he was a student swimmer; he started with six athletes and now there are almost 70.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Wetzler coached U.S.A. swim team for the 2011 games in Greece. He took 40 athletes, from ages 16 to 30. There were 18 different sporting events. Mr Wetzler served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959 until 1965. He played varsity lacrosse and was on the varsity swim team at Duke University. He has been married to his wife Marni for 51 years and has two sons and seven grandsons.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Coaching the Baltimore City Special Olympics swim team; Coached the Special Olympics swim team in China in 2007 and Greece in 2011
Awards/Honors:
Paul Harris Fellow Award, Service to the Community, Rotary International (2009); Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year, Baltimore City (2008); Volunteer of the Year, League for People with Disabilities (2008)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mr. Wetzler plans to spend more time with his family and six grandsons.