There is a lot that comes to mind watching this piece that FOX23 published yesterday.
When Cathy and I arrived in Tulsa in 2002, I wasn’t sure what was ahead in the future for our family, my teaching career, or my rowing coaching career. It was a time of transition and ambiguity.
I remember looking online to see if Tulsa had a rowing club, and to my surprise the city did, in fact, have a rowing club.
I recall driving up to the boathouse for the first time, and the first person that I met was James Simmons (who I coached alongside for many years, and we still spend time together to this day).
Over the last 22 years, I have poured my heart and soul into providing access to rowing for the youth of Tulsa. Many kind and generous souls have joined me along the way to do their part and buy in to that vision.
I’ve had the honor and privilege of coaching, mentoring and guiding many young hearts, who poured their time and effort into being the best athletes they could be, shaping the culture of the club and building their own futures.
In the last few years, I have worked hard to put this opportunity into the hands of those that wouldn’t otherwise have had the chance to experience what I have been lucky enough to gain.
There have been ups and downs along the way. Such is life.
However, ultimately, the journey and relationships have been the reward (along with many regional titles, trips to USRowing Nationals, and also a trip to Henley Royal Regatta).
This piece feels like coming full circle. We have past alumni now coaching at the club. Other athletes have gone on to incredible careers. Others have married and are now making families of their own.
Rowing has been a life-changing experience for me, so I do my best to promote the sport that has given me so much, I hope I have given more than I have received over the years.
To all of you that have supported the vision of rowing in Tulsa, you have my gratitude. Thank you for your effort to make Tulsa a better place to live and provide opportunities such as those that I have been lucky enough to have.
Here’s to a new chapter in Tulsa rowing and many more stories to be created and told.
