Bard Swim Team Alumnus John Reisert ’22 Successfully Hikes the Appalachian Trail

John Reisert ’22, who was a member of the men’s swimming team while at Bard, spent five months from March to August this year hiking the whole Appalachian Trail. Reisert set out northbound and completed the trail successfully—something only about a quarter of hikers who attempt it are able to achieve. Bard Athletics interviewed him about his experience and how being a student-athlete at Bard prepared him. “It prepared me mentally . . . The mental preparation of knowing what it takes to push yourself was really good to have.” Reisert drew upon the coaching he received from Bard Head Swimming Coach and Aquatics Director John Weitz to give him the endurance he needed to finish the trail, and Reisert was happy to share this motivation with other hikers he met along the way.

Post Date: 11-07-2023