Inducted March 2016
PCVRC is honored to induct Paul A. Schweizer into its Running Hall of Fame: an honor which is long overdue for Paul, who has given back so much to our local running community over a span of 35 plus years. A weight lifter and star football player at St. Marks High School and the University of Delaware, former UD football coach Tubby Raymond, commented in his book “The Delaware Wing-T” that Paul was “the best athlete he ever coached!” No small praise, indeed!
A physical therapist by trade, Paul graduated with honors from University of Delaware’s physical therapy program in 1978. His early experience was at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children where he became the Director of Aquatics Therapy. In the early 80’s, Paul opened his own facility, Schweizer‘s Physical Therapy in New Castle. His expertise is in the areas of aquatics therapy, sport medicine and general orthopedics.
Paul’s company was the primary sponsor of the (Delaware) Schweizer’s Marathon in Middletown, Delaware from 1994 to 1998. The Schweizer’s Marathon was typically marked by incredibly inclement weather, not surprising considering its December running date. In 2001, Paul sold his business to PRO Physical Therapy, which helped him open aquatic-based facilities in Bear, New Castle and Pike Creek/Hockessin. PRO PT was later acquired by ATI Physical Therapy, but through it all, Paul has remained a constant at his Pike Creek location. Many a local runner has been to visit Paul for PT, where he specializes in a firm grip and sage advice.
Paul is also a very accomplished runner, having run Boston 11 times. A 2:59 at Marine Corps; a 5K PR of 17:56; a 5 Mile PR of 28:40; and a 36-minute 10K are his standard bearers. He was the PCVRC Runner of the Year in 1986. Plus, he was able to bench 405+ pounds in his prime. He is the founder of the very popularPump and Run Racing series. On the Boston bus, Paul spends much of his time wrapping, stretching and taping the other runners, instead of preparing for his own race. One year, Paul set a goal to qualify for Boston and also break the 5 minute mile; a feat he accomplished at the Kiwanis Mile in Wilmington, running a 4:59.
Paul and fellow PCVRC Hall of Famer, Doug White, have volunteered their time for many years with the Wellness Community, where they participate with local cancer survivors in fundraising marathons. Excursions to Bermuda, Montreal, California and Las Vegas were among the highlights. Paul serves as coach, mentor and onsite medical crew for these efforts; often spending 5-6 hours on the course, making sure each runner arrives home. One year, the marathon began at 10pm and the Wellness team finished at 4am. It wasn’t the early morning finishing hour that annoyed Paul; it was the fact that there was no beer left at the finish! Speaking of which, two of Paul’s passions are cigars and Budweiser; and he gives up both each year for Lent. In fact, Paul will only drink Budweiser, so don’t try to entice him with a craft beer.
Paul has hosted numerous training and educational sessions for PCVRC members at his PT facility and for many years was a co-host of the local cable television program, Youth in Sports, where he continued to promote running among his many passions.
Paul lives in Newark, with his wife Lori. His oldest son, Paul Jr., is from his first marriage; Courtney, Taryn, Haley, Rhett, and Kendra are with Lori.