The Team

Jon Ornée

Jon is the ringleader of this ragtag crew. He’s been dreaming of putting together a relay team across Lake Michigan for 7 years and 2020 is the year it’s going to happen! Jon is an elite triathlete who has won several local and regional triathlons along with a handful of running and cycling events.

Last year he was hit by an SUV while cycling. It was a near-death experience that served as a reminder that we only get one shot at this life, we better make the most of it! 4 months after post-crash surgery to put his right arm back together, Jon completed the first-ever swim to North Manitou Island from Sleeping Bear Dunes. 3 days later, he and 4 other cyclists set a new World Ultra Cycling record across the state of Michigan, riding 205 miles in 8:17 (24.8mph avg). His goal, post-crash, is to do at least one thing each month that he’s proud of. Goal for August 2020: Swim across Lake Michigan with some awesome teammates!

When he’s not scheming his next athletic adventure, Jon is likely making music with his wife for their band Lady & Gentleman, designing wine labels for his company Creativino, or camping in Northern Michigan with his family. And trying to have as much fun as possible along the way.

To learn more about Jon’s latest (and future) adventures, check out jonornee.com.

Nick Hobson

Former international Underwater Hockey player (true story, real sport!) for Great Britain and New Zealand, Nick has been in, on, under and around water his whole life. 

A competitive swimmer at high school in Scotland led to playing Underwater Hockey (you should look it up) which led to Spearfishing that led to Ocean Racing that led to Open Water Marathon Swimming.

A Michigan resident for the last six years, Nick has swum solo from Holland to Grand Haven (21 miles) in Lake Michigan in each of the last two summers supported by some incredible friends and family along the way.

Matt Smith

Former elite marathoner turned elite triathlete. Matt’s athletic background is running where he was the team captain for 2 NCAA Final Four finishes (1994-4th, 1995-2nd) while at Northern Arizona University.

Following a 6 year career in elite marathoning he turned to triathlon and represented the United States at the ITU World Triathlon Championship in 2015.  In 2019 he became the age group National Champion for USATF Long Course.

Never a competitive swimmer, swimming comes from training for triathlon with his mother as a kid, who instilled the love of being in the water. 

Matt is a 5th grade teacher and enjoys spending time on the trails with his two boys and his wife.

Dave Ornée

Dave comes from a family of swimmers (including Jon!) Spending time at or in Lake Michigan is his favorite summer pastime. Dave swam at Hope College in Holland, MI and continues to compete in (mostly sprint distance) triathlons. During the week, he’s co-owner and Director of Operations at Michigan Awesome. At home, Dave has 3 kids (Ollie (7), Wendell (3) and Wynnie (1)) with his wife, Julie. He’s hoping they’ll all learn to love the water as much as he does :)

Jeremy Sall

Jeremy Sall grew up in Zeeland, Michigan, not far from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Being introduced to the water at an early age propelled Jeremy into an accomplished swimmer, receiving multiple All-American, and National honors.

Since swimming collegiately at The Ohio State University, Jeremy is ecstatic to be a member of another great team and use his talents in the water once more.