JMU swim and dive shows its support for Tom Kuster

Over the month of October, the swim and dive team participated in the #100K4TK challenge to show their support for Tom Kuster, associate athletic director for integrated health and sports performance at JMU. Tom Kuster was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the beginning of the academic year and, to support the Kuster family, a GoFundMe page was created along with the #100K4TK challenge to help spread awareness.

“While Tom is fighting his cancer, they challenged everybody out there who wants to support Tom in terms of trying to go 100 Kilometers throughout the month of October,” swim and dive head coach Dave Pedersen said. “And everybody could do that in their own unique way.”

People have been participating in this challenge by engaging in a 100 km exercise and documenting their progress on social media by using the hashtag 100K4TK. The swim and dive team decided to contribute by swimming the distance and performing complex dives over the course of the month. This not only was a challenge to get the team physically back into shape but also to give them motivation as they swam.

“The benefit of participating in this challenge was to make the team think about Tom and to remember why they’re doing their laps and who they’re doing these laps for,” Pedersen said. “To create a purpose in those moments.”

Senior diver Sarah Stim said there were strong reasons for why the team was initially interested in participating in this challenge.

“The team felt really strongly that this was something we could do to contribute our support for a greater cause while doing what we love to do,” Stim said. “Which is to train.”

Senior swimmer Bailey Butler said the team felt compelled to show their support for Tom Kuster and believed it was an important cause.

“I think it’s really important that we’ve been able to show our appreciation for Tom and everything he’s been able to do for all the athletes here at JMU, through our swimming and practices,” Butler said.

The team passed the goal of 100 kilometers by completing 130,375 yards, equivalent to 119 kilometers.

“This experience has been important because at JMU we’re all one family no matter what sports team we’re on, no matter what community we’re a part of, and so we need to support those around us who have been having trouble or Tom who is sick and needs help lifting his spirits emotionally and financially,” Stim said. “It has given our team a greater purpose in this weird time.”

For those interested in donating or participating in the #100K4TK exercise activity, visit thegofundme page.