Interests

Family

My wife, Dr. Margie Sanders, is a former assistant professor and currently an instructional designer. Most of her recent work has been for the Federal Aviation Administration, designing training courses for aircraft engineers. In her spare time, she is a fierce gardener. Our oldest daughter, Kate, is a graduate student in Environmental Science at the College of Charleston. Our youngest daughter, Alison, is a senior at Virginia Tech studying studio art.

Masters Swimming

My main athletic endeavor these days is competitive swimming at the master's level. I like to compete in area swim meets, including the Commonwealth Games, in any event not longer than 200 meters and that does not involve breast stroke.

Tennis

After a long layoff, I resumed my other sporting passion, tennis. After getting back in shape, I joined a 4.0/4.5 singles league that plays at the campus tennis center. I have learned that the kids hit the ball awefully hard and that there are players in their 60s who can beat them (and me).

Other interests

As much as possible, I try to get and enjoy the natural beauty and resources of the area. Fall and spring weekends frequently find us hiking on local trails. Favorites include the Cascades, Dragon's Tooth, McAfee's Knob, and the Andy Lane Trail. We live on the Roanoke River east of Roanoke and enjoy canoeing, swimming, and just hanging out on the water.

My vices include:

Dark chocolate, red wine and single-malt, sci-fi movies, The Daily Show, Chicago blues, southwest cuisine and hot salsas, Baltimore Orioles, steamed crabs.