Awesome Alumni: More than just a tan man

Everyone who has ever been to Pettibone Beach knows who Steve Briggs is. Some may have referred to him as "Fabio" or "that lifeguard with the long hair," but this local fixture is more than just a beach bum.

Briggs attended UW-La Crosse from 1980 until 1986. After changing majors three times, he eventually graduated with a Physical Education degree and a Fitness emphasis. 

Briggs has many great memories from his years at UW-L. "College was the highlight, it was like the best time I've had," he said. Briggs recalled such memories as floating on inner tubes from the Interstate bridge to Riverside Park over the 4^th of July, riding his motorcycle with friends, playing intramural sports and hanging out at The Cellar, which, at the time, was a bar. He added that in regards to the downtown scene at the time, "Big Al's was the hot spot."

Not only was Big Al's a popular destination; it was also an eventual place of employment for Briggs—along with a handful of other businesses. Since college, Briggs has found jobs as a commercial underwater diver, library delivery clerk, fitness consultant, aquatic supervisor and as a bouncer, or as he likes to call it, a "greeter." He's also worked in security and helped at various convention centers, in addition to his most famous position—lifeguard.

Briggs explained that his friends and his brother first got him interested in lifeguarding during college. He started out working at Black River Beach when he was 20 years old, and is now in his 29^th year. Briggs also spent time in Fort Lauderdale, FL, lifeguarding part-time for four years. In addition to his role as lifeguard, he was also the aquatic supervisor for the La Crosse city pools and beaches for 12 years.

When he's not at the beach, this Onalaska resident likes to play the guitar and banjo, work out at the gym, and watch TV and movies, calling himself a "big movie buff." He may also be seen riding his bike, his usual choice of transportation.

Although he currently has a shorter cut, Briggs is working on growing his blonde hair out. A few years ago his hair was so long that he donated a ponytail to Locks of Love. "I think I'm going to grow it for a while now," he shared.

As students prepare for another summer at the beach, Briggs looks forward to it. This summer he is taking on the role once again of aquatic supervisor, but won't be abandoning his post at Pettibone. He laughed, "I think I have another 28 years in me."