Indiana University Athletics
Where Are They Now? - Mark Lenzi
10/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving
Oct. 27, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Over the 2005-06 campaign, IUHOOSIERS.com will catch up with former Indiana swimmers and divers to see where life has taken them after graduating from IU. Mark Lenzi, who dove for IU in 1987-90, took the time to fill in IUHOOSIERS.com on his life since graduation.
What have you been doing since graduating from Indiana University?
Where do I start? Since graduating from Indiana University I have worked in many different positions and industries. I have been a coach, an admissions officer for several colleges, a teacher, a public speaker, a business development representative for a software company, a representative for Speedo International and I have worked as an independent contractor. I enjoy studying meteorology and astronomy on the side and I collect autographed books as a hobby. I also have attended flight school, where I received my private pilot's license. I am currently enrolled in a radiology program in North Carolina and will be graduating in May. I also got married a year ago to my lovely bride Dorothy and bought a house in North Carolina where we now reside with our two labs Buddy and Tobart. In another year or two, I will be furthering my health care career by getting my radiation therapy certification so that I can work with cancer patients.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a Hoosier?
My time at Indiana is very special to me. I have so many wonderful memories! It is difficult to pick one instance that stands out more than any other. Wearing the cream and crimson, as well as the stars and stripes, made me very proud. I loved competing for Indiana and the United States. If I had to pick a moment that really stands out for me then it would be one that was very recent. Being inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame a few years ago was one of my proudest moments. I dreamed about it when I first arrived on campus and saw all of the legends in Assembly Hall. Little did I know that one day I would have the honor of being included with this very prestigious group. I was so overcome with emotion at the ceremony that I almost broke down. I do not know if the display with some of my awards and the painting of me are still in the trophy case there, but this too was a tremendous honor. Who could have known so many years ago what we would accomplish!
What piece of advice would you give to any current Hoosier?
Take pride in being an Indiana Hoosier just as I did! Enjoy this brief moment in time. It comes and goes very quickly. Work hard and do your best to represent Indiana with honor and distinction.
Would you say that being a student-athlete at Indiana University has helped you get to where you are today?
Absolutely! Being a student-athlete is a very difficult dual role to play. Other students thought that the student-athletes had it easy. Far from it! To be the best and be a good student is no easy task. Make the sacrifices now and it will pay off later in life. If you are successful, then everything that you do after college will be much easier.
Anything additional you would like to add?
I consider Indiana my home even though I no longer live there. I am often asked, especially here in the South, where I am from. Although I grew up in Virginia and have lived in 10 different states, I am proud to call myself a naturalized Hoosier! You can imagine how difficult it is being in Tar Heel and Blue Devil country during basketball season. I manage though and wear my Indiana sweatshirt with pride. However, I do get a few looks now and then. By the way, my wife is a Kentucky fan. I guess we all can get along after all! I plan on visiting IU with my wife when I finish with radiology so that she can see for herself what a wonderful place Bloomington really is. Of course, I will be getting her a new Indiana sweatshirt. We will be visiting Hobie Billingsley, too! None of this was possible without his believing in me and his guidance as a man and a mentor. Go IU!
