news-category: Athletics Gardner-Webb Swimming Closes ASUN Championship with Four Podium Finishes By Office of University Communications On February 25, 2025 Luke Weber Captures ASUN Title in 1650-Yard Freestyle BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.–The Gardner-Webb University men’s and women’s swimming teams wrapped up an impressive week at the 2025 ASUN Championship on Feb. 22, hosted at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The Runnin’ Bulldogs capped off the meet with four podium finishes in the final events, including a championship performance from standout swimmer Luke Weber. Weber delivered a dominant performance in the men’s 1650-yard freestyle, securing the ASUN title with a remarkable time of 15:37.05. His victory adds another individual championship to Gardner-Webb’s growing legacy in the pool. Teammate Santiago Alcántara also delivered in the distance event, clocking in at 15:44.42 to claim third place, giving the Runnin’ Bulldogs two of the three podium spots. Gardner-Webb continued its success in the backstroke and breaststroke events. Agustín Orechia earned a podium finish in the men’s 200-yard backstroke, while Justin Bender stood out in the men’s 200-yard breaststroke. Bender’s performance capped off a stellar week, coming just one night after he set a new ASUN record in the 100-yard breaststroke. The depth of Gardner-Webb’s talent was on display in the 200-yard breaststroke final, where Dan Bennett and Logan Butner also secured top-eight finishes, placing sixth and seventh, respectively. On the women’s side, Dakota Townley made an impact as a freshman, placing fifth in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:16.15. Senior standout Emma Maust closed out her ASUN Championship career with a strong showing, finishing sixth in the women’s 1650-yard freestyle, touching the wall in 17:10.79. The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ performance at the ASUN Championship showcased the depth and resilience of the program. With several standout performances and young talent stepping up, Gardner-Webb swimming continues to make waves in the conference. For full coverage of Gardner-Webb athletics, visit GWUSports.com and follow @GWUSports on social media. Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu
News Article Gardner-Webb Mourns the Loss of Longtime Staff Member Will Corn From the Field to the Heart of Campus, Will Corn’s Influence Will Be Felt for Years to Come BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University community is mourning the unexpected passing of longtime staff member Will Corn, who died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 46. For more than a decade, Corn served as the […] Gardner-Webb University | June 17, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Receives $1.85 Million Transformative Gift Donation Enhances Athletics, Residence Halls, and Academics BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— Gardner-Webb University has received one of the largest single contributions in the last 25 years—an initial $1.75 million gift that broke previous records. Just one week later, the donors added an additional $100,000, bringing the total to $1.85 million. This transformative gift will impact all […] Gardner-Webb University | June 16, 2025
News Article Former GWU Football Standout Mario Williams Inducted into Big South Conference Hall of Fame Runnin’ Bulldogs Linebacker Established Records and Helped Gardner-Webb win Championships in 2002 and 2003 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Former Gardner-Webb football linebacker Mario Williams has been inducted into the Big South Conference Athletic Hall of Fame. Along with Williams, other inductees included track and field athlete Octavia Goode of Winthrop and former baseball player Phil Leftwich of […] Office of University Communications | June 5, 2025