Volunteer Spotlight: Win Gerde of Indiana Swimming

Photo Courtesy: Sue Borst

By Andy Ross, Swimming World College Intern

He has become one of the most recognizable faces on the pool deck in the state of Indiana. Whether he is at a high school dual meet in Tippecanoe County or at the USA Swimming National Championships, Win Gerde is at home on a pool deck.

Win has been working as a volunteer for youth sports since 1976 when he started out as a 5th grade basketball coach. He would work three nights a week for three years until he ran out of hours in the day. He said it was enjoyable but he simply did not have enough time to do it anymore.

A few years later, he would have to quit his volunteering spot on the Indy 500 committee for the same reasons– he did not have enough time to keep going. But in 1985, Win’s wife had enrolled their daughter in swimming and just one year later, Win had been asked to be the clerk of course on deck. This continued exposure to the sport put him in a position to be a volunteer official.

“I found myself being very comfortable working swim meets,” Gerde said of his first few years as a volunteer official. “For many years, I was making excuses to participate at swim meets. I should have been spending more time working.”

Gerde currently works as a member of Flintwood Farms in small-town Romney, Indiana.

As Gerde volunteered and officiated at more and more swim meets, he became emotionally attached to the swimmers. “It seemed as though every weekend I was enjoying watching student-athletes reach their goals,” he said.

Texas celebrating the 200 breaststroke win by Laura Sogar.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Gerde said that watching goals attained is still his favorite part about being an official, and is what keeps causing him to come back. “I have hundreds of pictures in my mind of swimmers turning around and looking at the scoreboard and seeing the excitement of reaching a goal they had set for themselves,” he said.

Gerde also said that he enjoyed officiating while his kids were swimmers, but was not able to see their swims much. He was however able to see their excitement and enjoyment they displayed when they had success.

Officiating has given Win the opportunity of a lifetime. He has volunteered meets all across the country and has officiated at the national level. Win says there are many meets he still wants to attend, but his time does not allow it. He still spends around 25-35 days a year working USA meets plus middle school, high school and college competitions.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Win doesn’t plan on stopping either. He looks forward to many more swim meets in the future and meeting new people along the journey. “I find it very enjoyable to interact with other officials from around the country. Enjoying their personal stories, interesting calls, and interesting ways to resolve situations. I have learned something at every swim that has helped me be a better official.”

USA Swimming has launched a campaign to recognize our terrific volunteers all month long! Honor all of the volunteers in your life this March by snapping their photo and posting with #1VolunTeam on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Tag @usaswimming and @swimmingworldmag too!

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use