Mathews High School Class of 1989 graduate Andy Rieger has done a lot of swimming in his life to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

This summer, he is taking on a new challenge. Later this month, he will embark on a new journey, swimming the English Channel from the United Kingdom to France to raise funds for Swim Across America.

Rieger, who now resides in Houston, said what he calls “the challenging journey of swimming” will be to swim the English Channel, which spans approximately 22 miles.

He said the English Channel is renowned for its powerful currents and cooler water temperatures, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I’ll commence my swim from the beach near Dover Harbor in England and conclude near Cap Gris-Nez in France. Although the distance is 22 miles as the crow flies, the currents will likely force me to swim closer to 26 to 27 miles. I anticipate completing the swim within approximately 12 hours,” Rieger said.

He said he will be accompanied by an escort boat with a support crew of two to three individuals on board.

“Their primary responsibility will be to provide me with feeds every 30 minutes, monitor my progress and keep me motivated. However, there are a few restrictions: I can’t touch the boat or wear a wetsuit. Every 30 minutes, my support team will toss me a water bottle containing a sports energy drink for my feeds,” Rieger said.

He said this year he dedicated himself to preparing meticulously for the swim and has been in the final two months of his training.

“I’m not only undertaking this as a personal challenge but also raising funds for cancer research supported by Swim Across America. All the funds I raise for my English Channel swim will directly contribute to cancer research at MD Anderson in Houston and Rush University Hospital in Chicago,” he said.

Rieger said to donate to his Swim Across America — English Channel swim, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org, click on the donate link and search for his name.

OTHER SWIMS

Rieger said as in previous years, several family members will participate in Swim Across America on Aug. 9 in Chicago. They are his parents, Gil and Casey Rieger, of Vienna; his brother Thad Rieger, of Columbus; and from Salt Lake City, his daughter Aurora Rieger, his sister Amy Bos, his nephew Stephen and wife Rachael Bos, and her son, Andrew Bos.

HIs wife, Kristen, a Warren native and 1991 Warren G. Harding High School graduate, also will join them from Houston.

The Riegers were married in Warren in July 2024.

“We are reuniting to form Team Rieger at Swim Across America — Chicago to raise funds for cancer research at Rush University Hospital. We swim in honor of my brother Matt and my first wife Jordana, both of whom lost their battles with cancer in 2021 and 2018, respectively,” Rieger said.

He said they also honor other family members, including both Thad and Gil, who have had their own battles with cancer, as well as Thad’s father-in-law who lost his battle with cancer.

“We swim in honor of the countless others whose lives have been impacted by cancer. For me personally, this is a way to pay it forward for all the people who supported my family during the difficult times of both Matt and Jordana’s battles,” Rieger said.

He said Team Rieger’s goal is to raise $20,000 this year, and they are making good progress so far.

To donate to Team Rieger for Swim Across America Chicago, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/chicago. Click on the donate link and search Team Rieger or any team member.

On Oct. 11, Rieger also will participate in Swim Across America — Houston near his home in Texas.

“Over the past few years, I’ve transitioned from being a swimmer at this event to becoming a volunteer and now the event director. Although I won’t be in the water, we’re aiming to raise $100,000 that will fund cancer research at MD Anderson, the hospital where Jordana received her treatment during her nearly six-year battle with cancer,” he said.

Those interested in learning more about Swim Across America — Houston, participating or donating, can visit www.swimacross

america.org/houston.

Donations by check for any of the events mentioned can be mailed to Swim Across America, Inc., 8508 Park Road #389, Charlotte, NC 28210. Include a note mentioning the swimmer, team or charity swim you’d like your donation to support so they can ensure they receive the appropriate fundraising credit.