Athlete Spotlight

Paul Boechler

Senior at Shorewood High School

When/Why began rowing:

I began rowing the summer after my sophomore year. I started rowing because it seemed like a good fit for my height, plus It seemed like a unique sport unlike many school athletics. I also knew a few rowers at my school who urged me to give it a try.

Favorite workout:

To be honest I enjoy any day out on the water. But if I had to choose, it would probably be long steady state up the inner harbor, back down then up the Menomonee, then finally back to the boathouse. I feel like this helps the team build endurance strength but also with boat feel and technique.  

Favorite aspect of rowing:

My favorite aspect about rowing is definitely the mental discipline. Everyday I leave practice more physically and mentally tough than before. But the mental toughness is something that not only helps you succeed as an athlete, but also succeed outside of practice.

Favorite rowing season & why:

Spring is by far my favorite season because of the teams high energy. After sitting through a long hard/tiring day of school, practice livens you back up. I also love this season because racing is more intense than anything else I’ve ever experienced.

What motivates you to work hard?

I would say that I am a competitive athlete, and I work hard because I know that on race day it will all pay off. I also demand improvement from myself daily, which I can do because I have awesome teammates and coaches to push me to my max everyday.

Favorite race & why:

Personally I don’t have a “favorite” race. I enjoy every regatta because it gives my teammates and I a chance to do better than the last race.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:

Outside of practice I mountain bike, longboard, aggressive skate, graphic design, play guitar, play sports, go hiking, and hang out in the outdoors.

Interesting fact about yourself:

I have five sibling, I lived in Panama for a year (Central America), I grew up on a farm.

Favorite quote:

“There are two types of Pain in this world: Pain that hurts you, and Pain that changes you!”

Athlete Spotlight

Grace D'Souza

Sophomore at Whitefish Bay High School 

When/Why began rowing:

Since I was younger, people always noted my height and told me I would be a natural rower. I also love to be on and around water, so rowing seemed like a perfect fit. In the summer of 2013 I decided to try Learn to Row, just to see how I liked the sport. 

Favorite workout:

My favorite workout on the erg is 1000m to 100m (even though I complain every time we do it) and on the water I like to do the Lake Washington Pyramid. I like both of these workouts because they over prepare you for a 2000m race, making it seem less difficult in comparison. These workouts also require you to exert 100% of your energy for a long period of time; it makes the boat tougher.

Future plans:

While on my team, my goal is for us to qualify for Junior Nationals at least one more time. Additionally, I would really enjoy rowing for a school in college. 

Favorite aspect of rowing:

My favorite aspect of rowing is that everyday you discover something new about yourself. You push yourself to a new limit, challenge your mental strength, or learn something about your character. Everyday is something new and I think thats something unique to rowing. 

Favorite rowing season & why:

My favorite season of rowing is Spring season. I love the competitive atmosphere, 2000m races, and the opportunity to race at Midwest. 

What motivates you to work hard?

My teammates motivate me everyday. I work hard to improve myself so that we can succeed as a team. I'm so lucky to have such a strong group of girls motivating me to be the best I can.

Favorite race & why:

Head of the Charles is my favorite race because we are surrounded by elite rowing programs from around the country, and masters from all over. I love the city of Boston and seeing the enthusiasm the people have for rowing. Most importantly, the race course is beautiful and fun to row on.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:

In addition to rowing, I play varsity tennis and varsity ski race with my school.

Proudest accomplishment in your life so far:

My proudest accomplishment thus far has been placing 13th at Junior Nationals in the Lightweight 4+. Seeing how far I came in just one year of rowing was an incredible transformation for me. I'm also extremely proud to have represented our club on a National level.

Favorite quote:

 “What mattered more than how hard a man rowed was how well everything he did in the boat harmonized with what the other fellows were doing. And a man couldn’t harmonize with his crewmates unless he opened his heart to them. He had to care about his crew.” Daniel James Brown, The Boys in the Boat

Athlete Spotlight

Tommy Ferrara

Junior at University School of Milwaukee

When/Why began rowing:

I began rowing the summer after Freshman year. I was good friends with James Lueken freshman year through hockey, and he talked about rowing during our car rides from hockey and school, so that got me interested in joining. Also, my sister was a coxswain on the team and loved it.

Favorite workout:

Lake Washington pyramid is one of my favorites. It starts off easy and then gets really hard, forcing your boat to work together and push each other every piece.

Future plans:

Hopefully get the chance to rage at Nationals with the boys.

Favorite aspect of rowing:

I love the team aspect of rowing and how close everyone becomes on the team. It is fun to have another group of good friends outside of school.

Favorite race & why:

My favorite race was the 2013 Head of the Charles. This is my favorite because I was a novice, and experience my first Head of the Charles with my sister being my coxswain. Also the energy in the environment of the race is incomparable to any other race. Another favorite race of mine was my first ever race in Chicago when Brad Wolff and I raced in boxers, both forgetting trou.

Who is your role model & why:

My role model for rowing is definitely coach Peter Helfer because of his ability to row at one of the nation's top collegiate rowing teams, while being a smaller guy like myself. This pushes and shows me that it is possible to do even though many say you have to be a huge guy to row in college.

Interesting fact about yourself:

I love clothing and have a lot of it. Especially Vineyard Vines #whaleup. I also enjoying hanging out with Cole Wirth and Peter Helfer on the weekends.

Favorite quote:

“Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.” - Ronald Reagan

Athlete Spotlight

Savannah Spahr

Senior at Brookfield East High School

When/Why began rowing: 

I did learn to row this past summer and officially joined the team in fall. I began rowing after a couple kids at my school introduced it to me. Although I've played many other sports, rowing seemed like the perfect match for me and my height. My parents also really enjoyed the idea of me becoming a rower because they would love to see me do it in college. 

Favorite workout:

Anything that has to do with racing another boat, whether it's seat racing or quick 500m sprints. 

Future plans:

Next fall I've committed to row for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Favorite aspect of rowing:

I love it when everybody in the boat feels the same adrenaline and excitement as you and together everyone works together to beat the competition. 

Favorite rowing season & why:

Although I haven't been rowing for very long, so far I like spring season the best. In regattas it's nice to have your competition right next to you to motivate you. I also like the intensity and power that begins from the first strokes of the start.

What motivates you to work hard?:

My dad has always motivated me to be the best I can physically be and for that I am truly grateful. 

Favorite race & why:

My favorite race was probably the tail of the fox last fall because it was my very first regatta and we won first place despite the weather. 

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:

I love to just hang out and talk with my friends as well as play tennis, lacrosse, or go skiing. 

Proudest accomplishment in your life so far:

My proudest accomplishment so far was my ability to manage my time and effort between sports, classes, hobbies, music, clubs, and a part-time job and maintain over a 4.0 in high school. 

Who is your role model & why:

My parents. I know its such a cliche but it's true because they've worked so hard to accomplish the things they wanted. I've always looked towards them for inspiration and motivation in many aspects of my life. 

Interesting fact about yourself:

I am a foodie. I love eating out and trying new things from different cultures (french food is probably my favorite)

Favorite quote:

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh