Zachary Puhala '04 was a jack of all trades during his time at W&J. Puhala was a four-year participant in men's water polo and men's swimming & diving, along with a two-year member of the men's lacrosse team. He went on to earn a culinary arts degree from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute and currently works as the Executive Chef for Parkhurst Dining at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He has held his current position since December 2016.

Name: Zachary Puhala

Class Year: 2004

Sport(s) played at W&J: Water Polo (4 years), Swimming (4 years), Lacrosse (2 years)

Major at W&J: Fine Art

Current Job Title & Employer: Executive Chef, Parkhurst Dining 

Brief description of job duties/responsibilities: Run the food service at Wittenberg University

Current level of education: Bachelor of Arts

Career path following W&J: Was a graphic artist and part-time server at a restaurant. I moved to back of house to cook and fell in love with it.

Summarize your experience at W&J: The time of my life.

Favorite memory as a student-athlete: Traveling with the water polo team going all over New England

Notable athletic and academic accomplishments during college: Being part of the first water polo team

Extra-curricular activities at W&J (outside of athletics): Art club.

Athletic accomplishments since graduation: Coached age group swimming and high school. Started a club water polo team. Currently an assistant water polo coach for Wittenburg University.

What went into your decision to attend W&J? Proximity to home and the great reputation of the college.

What advice would you give current W&J student-athletes? Enjoy your time. Put in everything you can it will come back many times over.


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