Born to Move

William Wieand ’53 is always on the move. At 90, he plans to participate in the 40th annual Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Born to Move
Bill Wieand ’53, third from left, on a race track at the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics in 2017. Photo courtesy of Bill's wife, Betsy Younkins.
Bill Medal Cropped
Bill Wieand ’53 pictured in 2017 wearing a medal from the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Photo courtesy his wife, Betsy Younkins.

Meet William Wieand ’53, a Renaissance athlete. He swims. Bikes. Walks. Rows.

Growing up, Wieand played beach volleyball in his native, sunny San Diego and basketball throughout high school. He continued those sports at SCU, flexing his moves in intramural basketball and traveling 30 miles south to serve and spike on the beaches of Santa Cruz.

His passion for movement grew as the years passed. Now 90, Wieand is expected to participate in the 40th annual Northern Virginia Senior Olympics in September, as he has done for the past 15 years.

The games draw hundreds of Northern Virginia residents over the age of 50 to compete in everything from frisbee throwing to cornhole, diving, cycling, yo-yoing, and solving jigsaw puzzles.

“I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been healthy this long, and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I’ve been active all my life,” says Wieand. “It was something that was always in my nature. I get restless if I don’t do something after two or three days. I think it’s certainly been helpful to keep me healthy throughout my life.”

Wieand, who says sports help him stay in touch with friends, is excited about the 2022 competition because he’ll be in a new age group: 90-94.

“I’m going to be at the bottom of my age group,” he quips. “I’m going to knock ’em dead.”

Our Stories to Share

The life story of SCU professor emeritus and author Francisco Jiménez ’66 has been made into a movie.

An Honor

Richard Bissen ’83 is elected mayor of Maui, Hawaii, with help from chairperson and fellow Bronco Charlene Schulenburg ’83

Take Note

The Bannan Alumni House is bustling with plans for alumni and grand reunions.

Better Boards

The Leavey School of Business aims to make businesses better through its Black Corporate Board Readiness program.