This is a new feature in Impact focused on highlighting the "hidden talents" among UTMB's employees. If you have a hidden talent—or know someone who does—please tell us at impact.newsletter@utmb.edu. Thanks!
Name: Dylan Lancaster
UTMB Talent: Communications, Health Policy & Legislative Affairs
Hidden Talent: Climbing skills that would make Spiderman envious
Whether it’s competing on the television program “American Ninja Warrior” or sailing on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, Dylan Lancaster loves to climb. He balances a healthy respect for the dangers of heights with what he calls the lingering effects of “invulnerable youth syndrome.”
Because there aren’t many places to climb in Galveston—aside from the Elissa—his Ninja Warrior training boils down to living an active lifestyle, reaching 50 consecutive pullups (he’s at 43), weekly trips to a rock gym in League City and being confident in his abilities. Still, he beat several top competitors to make it to the “American Ninja Warrior” regional finals earlier this year.
You won’t find his debut when ANW runs on TV this year, but he’ll gladly recount what happened if you spot him on campus or on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, where he and several UTMB employees serve as crew.
“It’s an amazing experience with a fantastic group of people from all walks of life,” Lancaster says of his experience on the Elissa crew. When Dylan isn’t teaching new volunteers how to sail, you might catch him skylarking (sightseeing) with his GoPro camera at the top of the mast—10 stories up.