Long Update

Wow, I have really dropped the ball on communications since Trials!  It is hard to compare anything to the exhilaration experienced at Chula Vista, but I will try to run through some personal highlights since the regatta.

I put all my energy into coaching upon returning to Seattle; what a fantastic outlet!  Just when I am feeling a little burned out on rowing, I get to rediscover a love for the sport through the eyes of my students.  Holy Names qualified three events for Youth Nationals this year, the Women's 1x, 4x, and Light 8+.  We had one of the most successful medal hauls in recent history from the Regional Championship Regatta, with 10 medals, including a win the the JV 1x.  So proud of my scullers in particular, with whom I worked most closely this last year.  Those five athletes brought home medals in four events!  At nationals, our 4x finished 12th and our Light 8+ finished 15th.  What a great way to end my time with those you girls.  I am going to miss all of them and wish them the best of luck in the years ahead.

HNA 4x, L8+, and Coach on the Oak Ridge course.

HNA athletes keeping it Catholic in Oak Ridge.

More big news: David Smith has made the US National Team in the Light Men's 4x!  He will be traveling to Bulgaria to compete at the 2012 World Championship Regatta from August 15th to 19th!  He will be rowing with Shane Madden, Sam Cunningham, and Bob Duff; all repeat national team members.  Because this boat is not an Olympic event, the athletes are responsible for their own funding, so if you would like to help their dream come true and support the US rowing team, you can find out more here.

David Smith, looking particularly good in his new unisuit.

Also big in the rowing news is HNA athlete Emmy Bateman racing in Germany for the US High Performance Junior team.  Her "B" quad beat the German "A" quad in two out of three races!  I am pretty sure she just jumped in the water and swam the boat down the race course, holding a tow rope between her teeth.  Emmy will be racing next at Canadian Henley, looking to show some strong small boat skills.

Emmy Bateman (right) will eat you if you stand between her and winning.

After a personally disappointing fourth place finish at the British Columbia Championship Regatta in July, I am taking the bull by the horns and devising my own training plan for the next few months.  I will be training under SRC, but I have come to the conclusion that my future success needs the kind of personal attention that only I can bring to the table right now.  What is my secret?  Row.  Alot.  Once I have my spring and summer 2013 plans squared away, I hope to work more with Conal to develop a successful team boat for the next big push.  In the mean time, I am getting mega-fast in the single again.  The goal is to win Head of the Lake this fall and build a strong base for the 2013 season.

Good luck to all the athletes competing at the Olympic these next few weeks!  Go USA!