Athlete Spotlight

PETER JOCHEM

12th Grade at Marquette High School

When/Why began rowing:

I began rowing in the summer after my sophomore year. I had tried a few other sports but rowing was different. I dropped most of my other activities to row all year round. 

Favorite workout:

Although very brutal, I really like the Pumpkin Pain Train. Everybody wants to win and the team’s competitive spirit is great. I also like doing 500m or 1000m pieces on the water. The team always gets boats moving really fast over this distance.

Favorite aspect of rowing:

I like how rowing clears my head. I usually come to practice everyday a little stressed, but then I work hard, hang out with my friends, and I leave really relaxed. 

Favorite rowing season & why:

My favorite season to row in is summer. Getting out on the water early in the morning, enjoying the warm weather, and the team winning nearly everything at the regattas makes the summer season the most enjoyable.  

Favorite race & why:

I like the Chicago Sprints. The spectators sitting so close, only having two boats in every race, and the MRC always winning a lot of races here makes it the best regatta of the year.

Interesting fact about yourself:

I have a dog named Peter! My stepmom named him before she met my dad. It can get a little confusing!

Athlete Spotlight

SYDNEY WIDELL

Junior at Shorewood High School

When/Why began rowing:

I did my learn to row the summer going into 8th grade, but it wasn't until winter of my sophomore year that I decided to commit to the team.  I became interested in rowing after my dad found a vintage shell up north and rehabbed it. The seat was totally screwed up and the wheels were missing, but he found the parts online and every summer I'd spend hours rowing around the lakes.  

Favorite workout: 

Early morning steady state workouts are always my favorite.

Favorite aspect of rowing: 

Morning practices! It's so thrilling to be out on the water in the dark before the city is awake.

Favorite rowing season & why: 

Fall.  I love seeing the season change from the river and the weather tends to be lovely. 

Favorite race & why: 

Definitely HOCR.  It was so inspiring to row on such a fabled river beside some of the best crews in the world.  It was also neat to see the way rowing culture took over the city for that weekend.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice: 

When I'm not rowing, I love to run, bike, ski, climb, read and play the piano.  

Favorite quote: 

"Stay together, learn the flowers, go light" -Gary Snyder

Athlete Spotlight

ROBERT HYNDIUK

Senior, Class of 2015 at Brookfield East High School

When/Why began rowing:
I took learn to row as a sophomore in high school but I didn't join the team until I was a junior. I joined because I knew some of the guys on the team and they wanted me to come down to a few practices.

Favorite workout:
Ultimate Frisbee has got to be #1 on my favorite workout list but getting some good strokes in on the water is a close second.

Future plans:
I have just received my application admission decision letter today and I am proud to say that I have been formally accepted into Gonzaga University. I plan on attending Gonzaga out in Spokane, WA and will row on their freshman team next fall.

Favorite aspect of rowing:

The state of mind rowing puts you in. When I'm on the water whether I'm racing or working on some technique, rowing has the ability to give my mind clarity and allows me to focus on the motion of rowing.

Favorite rowing season & why:
Summer season is my favorite because of short races and nice weather.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:
I do enjoy playing basketball and am currently on a team. Outside of practice you can catch me on the basketball court balling with some friends. 

Proudest accomplishment in your life so far:
Winning the Most Improved Athlete Award after fall season because I felt very accomplished.

Interesting fact about yourself:
I am a pretty good surfer and I have been to Costa Rica a few times to ride some waves. 

Athlete Spotlight

ELISE SCHEDLER

Senior at Whitefish Bay High School

Why began rowing:

My friend had tried it the year before I started, spent a year telling me how amazing it was until I finally caved and took Learn to Row

Favorite workout:

My favorite workouts are anything on the water, but I love technique days the most! Like when we do the standup drill or cut the cake. The best workouts are definitely sprinting pieces, where we do a lot of really short pieces.

Future plans:

I'm hoping to row for UW-Madison next year as a walk on, and see how that goes!

Preferred side:

Definitely starboard, but I love rowing port if I'm part of a novice boat so I can practice!

Favorite aspect of rowing:

The best part of rowing is during a race when the whole team makes a move together without even thinking about it, everyone's mindset is the same, and you can feel the power of the boat. That's the moment all the hard work pays off. 

Favorite rowing season:

Summer is the best season! We get to spend more time on the water every day, or even go in the water. Plus it's fun to help out with learn to row, and hopefully bring a ton more people into the sport. 

What motivates you:

My biggest motivation is definitely when other people start to catch up to me, or when I get close to beating someone who has been ahead of me for a while. It's awesome that we have such a competitive team because it helps push people to work harder. 

Favorite race:

My favorite race has been the Head of the Charles Regatta. The atmosphere is super competitive during the race. Plus there is this collective love for rowing shared by thousands of people. Also, I have been able to spend a ton of time with the best team ever!

Interests outside of practice:

If I'm not rowing I'm probably watching Netflix or doing some type of art (or both). I also love going for summer bike rides down to the sailing center, or just hanging out with my friends. 

Proudest accomplishment so far:

I'm not sure what my biggest accomplishment is! I think that as long as I challenge myself and live happily, my life feels really complete. 

Who is your role model:

My biggest role model is my dad. He is just a genuinely good guy, and completely nerdy and hilarious in every way! 

Interesting Fact:

Interesting fact about myself? I row which is cool. 

Favorite quote:

So, we're cheating death now, that's what we're doing, and we're having fun at the same time, I can do this, just be careful...

-Merlin "Finding Nemo"

Athlete Spotlight

RUSSELL WONG

Senior, Wauwatosa East High School

When/Why began rowing:

I started LTR the summer before freshman year. I tried it out because my older brother Hank was on the team and I decided to stick with it.

Favorite workout: 

The best work out we've ever done was when we rowed from the junction all the way around the harbor, past the art museum, around to the break wall, and then back to the junction. Nothing's better than the lake in the morning.

Future plans: 

Next year I plan on rowing at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR.

Favorite aspect of rowing: 

My favorite aspect of rowing is the team. This sport forces us all to work together and I think we do that pretty well.

Favorite rowing season & why: 

Definitely summer season. I like having morning practices and being able to row out on the lake.

Favorite race & why: 

My favorite race was the duels in Skokie, IL. I'm pretty sure we only did it the one time, two years ago but it was awesome. I wish we had more opportunities to duel other crews.