Hall of Fame
Dr. Daniel Metzler still stands out in the Bridgewater College track & field record book even after nearly 50 years.
During his senior season, he re-set his own pole vault record that still stands as the team’s top mark at 4.50 meters (14’9.0”). To truly measure the feat, the mark would have won Metzler the 2023 ODAC individual championship in the event by nearly 1.0 meter. Metzler’s record still holds despite modern advancements in the sport, including significantly lighter and more flexible poles. His indoor pole vault mark of 4.11 meters (13’ 6.0”) from his sophomore season still ranks inside the program’s top 10 listing, as well.
Metzler initially broke the outdoor pole vault school record that was held by fellow BC Athletic Hall of Famer Bob Richards who competed at the Olympic level twice in the same event. His record stood for nearly 30 years before Metzler broke it.
Outside of pole vaulting, Metzler was gifted in several events for the Eagles during the early 1970s. His time of 15.14 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles was a school record for several years and remains in the top-five times for the program.
After graduating from Bridgewater in 1975, Metzler went on to earn a doctorate degree in philosophy from Emory University. He co-founded Metzler Brothers Construction, which was located in the town of Bridgewater for 30 years.
In recognition of his outstanding performances as a student-athlete, Dr. Daniel Metzler is worthy of induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.
