How did you come to join PBC, and when did you join?
Fall of 2013. I had just graduated college and ran into a few friends who were rowing for PBC at Head of the Charles. I clearly missed rowing and they told me to send a few emails to Pete Clements. Ten years later, here we are.
When, how, and where were you first introduced to rowing?
The summer before my freshman year of high school, at a learn-to-row clinic put on by my school, on the Potomac River.
What are your most memorable rowing (or even racing) experiences?
Coming in third in the Second Eight at Stotesbury in high school. It had been a down few years for our program but our 2v came out of nowhere to take home some hardware. It was the moment I realized I could actually compete in this sport and the younger guys in that boat became the nucleus of a Stotesbury Cup-winning 1V two years later.
Winning HOCR my 3rd and 4th years in college. Both very fun races with very fast crews.
Racing at HRR and Windemere Cup in college. My boats never performed particularly well, but the pageantry of both regattas cannot be beaten. Both should be on any rower's bucket list (if even as a spectator).
Winning HOCR my 3rd and 4th years in college. Both very fun races with very fast crews.
Racing at HRR and Windemere Cup in college. My boats never performed particularly well, but the pageantry of both regattas cannot be beaten. Both should be on any rower's bucket list (if even as a spectator).
Favorite boat name either at the club or ever?
The People's Eight (college)
What motivates you to get out of bed when your alarm goes off at at the crack of dawn for a row? If you prefer the afternoons, how do you make that work with your daily schedule?
"If I don't get up, I am letting someone else down"
Understanding that rowing often takes up most of one’s time and energy, are there any other hobbies you have that you’re particularly passionate about?
Historic Preservation! Please reach out and ask me about the Potomac River Boathouse Foundation and how YOU can help keep PBC upright!
What do you like most about the sport of rowing?
The camaraderie, the incessant drive for constant improvement, and a picturesque morning on the water all rank highly, but I'd have to say the best thing about the sport of rowing is the feeling when a boat flows just so beneath you and sings through the water.
If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would you choose and why?
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Or November Rain by Guns N' Roses. Take your pick.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Professional Baseball Player. Unfortunately, I couldn't catch, hit, or throw a ball.
Is DC the South or the North?
South.
What is your local/DC controversial/unpopular opinion, or "hot take"?
I have several, but I'll go with Le Diplomate is overrated. Try Bistrot Du Coin instead.
What is your favorite or underrated/unknown local attraction or place to go?
Other than PBC??? Hard for this to be unknown because it's so large, but the Washington National Cathedral Close.
What was your COVID hobby... and are you still keeping up with it?
Cooking ... and yes!
What is your go to recommendation for people new to the area or visiting?
Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon.