Catching up with Men's & Women's Rowing Coach Chris O'Brien
What does the PhilaU Athletics staff do over the summer? PhilaU Assistant AD/ Sports Information Director (SID) Sarah Punderson took a few minutes with Men's & Women's Rowing Coach Chris O'Brien to find out...
SP: After a very successful 2010 season, what have you been doing to re-energize in the summer?
COB: As crazy as it sounds, during the summer I like to row! I know, after nine months of double practice, racing every weekend and spending countless hours at the boathouse, people may find that surprising. I find it more difficult during the season to row simply for the exercise because my schedule is packed. During the summer, I have every morning and every evening free to master the art of rowing for myself. When I’m not rowing, I still need to be in close proximity to water, so I generally head down to the Jersey shore, relax on the beach or surf.
SP: What are some of the things you do in the off season when your teams aren’t practicing/racing?
COB: The offseason is my opportunity to catch up on many projects around the boathouse, along with preparing for the next season. For example, last week I was changing the oil and repairing a few motor boat engines. Next week I plan to spend a day building wooden shelving to place around our locker area for extra storage. When I’m not at the boathouse, recruiting is my main focus. Right now I’m recruiting heavily for the 2011-2012 academic year.
SP: Any exciting news about the rowing teams for 2010-11?
COB: After graduating the first class of rowers at Philadelphia University, next season will give our existing members a real chance to shine and improve their skills. We have a great nucleus of returning rowers, all who know the importance of team and unity. I’m hoping they can channel that energy and emotion towards our incoming novice class. In addition, for the first time in team history, the Philadelphia University teams are able to put a bid in for the Head of the Charles, the largest and most prestigious head race in the United States.
SP: Being a local guy, any thoughts on the Phillies midway through the season?
COB: The Sillies? Injuries are plaguing them right now, but I think as long as they stay within striking range of the Braves until key players can heal, they’ll be fighting for the playoffs in September.
SP: Any words of wisdom to your student-athletes on their summer breaks right now?
COB: There are no magic equations or secrets for getting stronger or faster over the summer and during the off seasons. I simply remind them that training is a year- long task, not just a part-time hobby. I also try to keep them focused. It’s easy to get out of the routine over the summer, being away from campus and away from the water. However, if they keep in the back of their minds the vision that they can do something special here at PhilaU, they tend to stay on point.
SP: How many days until practice begins?
COB: Only 55 days. I have a countdown. How could I not…
