‘In the Lead’
Crew - n. the group that rows a racing shell; the sport of rowing a racing shell
Photo not taken by me, in fact, I’m the only human body in the shot.
Crew was my life for three years while I attended Willamette University in Salem, OR, and ever since my transfer back to Las Vegas, it has been the only thing from Oregon that I think about every day. The skills, friends, and proficiency I gained during my participation in the sport were all positive, and I’ve never felt so accomplished in such a short period of time.
In actuality, I tailored my college decisions based on the availability of Crew and the chance that I would get on the team. Traditionally, Men’s Rowing is composed of tall, lean individuals, and these are not the characteristics of my gene pool; however, I was focused and extremely dedicated to self-improvement. As long as there was an opportunity, I was willing to accept the challenge.
Willamette was the perfect fit - great private liberal arts college in beautiful Oregon, with a Men’s D-III rowing team. Upon acceptance I contacted the coach, Susan Parkman, and found that she had coached an Olympic bound single for Athens, and that her husband, Tiff ‘The Hammer’ Wood was an olympic medalist - WIN!
Susan guided me through the fundamentals of learning and winning the sport. Her immense dedication was superseded by no one and no words can truly communicate how grateful I am for this.
Row Through.
