The Alma College Hall of Fame Class of 2013 includes Radu Danca, who had a spectacular career in men's diving at the school. He was a two-time All-MIAA selection (1994 and 1995) and excelled in both the one-meter and three-meter dives during his career.
Danca finished eighth in the NCAA event for one-meter diving in 1995 and 12th in the NCAA event for three-meter diving in the same season. He was the one-meter diving MIAA event champion in both 1994 and 1995 and he ranks third in school history in the one-meter, six dives and second in the one-meter, 11 dives.
In addition, Danca was the three-meter diving MIAA event champion in 1994 and 1995. He is currently listed in the school record book in third place in the three-meter, 11 dives and fourth place in the three-meter, six dives.
He lists placing second in the preliminary round at the NCAA swimming and diving championships as his most memorable moment as an Alma College athlete. In addition, Radu has very fond memories of his coach, Greg Baadte, and considers him a big influence.
"Greg is a very kind and caring person and I consider him a friend," said Danca. "He was always there to guide me through my personal, academic and athletic challenges."
He earned a degree in exercise and health science and attended Michigan State University upon graduation. At MSU, he graduated with honors with a degree in chemical engineering in 2001.
He is currently employed at Buricle Engineered Abrasives as Product and process engineer. In that role, he helps develop new products and manufacturing processes for the concrete grinding industry.
He is married to Cristy (Gross) Danca, who graduated from Alma in 1996. They have two sons - Andrei Radu Danca and Matei Radu Danca.
