Athlete Spotlight

Cole Wirth

Junior, Class of 2016 at Wauwatosa East High School

When/Why began rowing

I began rowing the summer of 2011 before I entered 8th grade.  I played club volleyball for years before I started my rowing career, but I never had the best hand eye coordination...so I was looking for a different sport.  My brother was already on the team so I did learn to row and soon found that rowing was a sport like no others I had previously known.  After I made it through my first winter season and we got back on the water in spring, I knew I rowing was my new sport.

Favorite workout:

My favorite workout is 2 by Milwaukee River Challenge course against my teammates in 8's.  Starting from behind, catching up to the other boats, and passing them on the strategic points of the course makes for a competitive environment right away.  After that first piece you feel tired and drained of your energy, but then you and your teammates push each other to throw down an even faster piece the second time around.

Favorite rowing season & why

Spring is easily my favorite rowing season.  After spending moths indoors erging there is no better feeling that to start practicing on the water again.  Spring racing brings the fastest competition of any season, and everybody is always pushing to train harder than all the teams we see at Midwest.

What motivates you to work hard?

My motivation to work hard comes from the mindset of wanting to qualify for another national championship. Coach Peter's occasional yelling also gets to you here and there.

Favorite race & why

My favorite races were the series of races at Nationals in Oak Ridge Tennessee in 2013. I was coxing our Men's 4+ and we had no idea what to expect at this level when we lined up at the starting block of our heat. Glancing left and right we were racing teams we had never raced before and we were the underdogs from Milwaukee. We took 3rd in our heat, 1st in our repechage, 2nd in our semi-final, and then 6th overall in the nation.  This race motivates me everyday to get back to this point with my team as a rower now.

Interesting fact about yourself

I broke my right wrist twice and had a blue cast both times.

Schedule Update

Friday

Practice will not be held this Friday, April 3. Enjoy your long weekend!

Upcoming Schedule

  • Friday, April 3 - No Practice
  • Sunday, April 19 - Monona Invite - Madison, WI
  • Saturday, May 2 - Greater Chicago Jr Rowing Championships - Crystal Lake, IL
  • May 15-17 - Midwest Junior Rowing Championships - Cincinnati, OH - travel Friday; racing on Saturday and Sunday
  • Monday, May 18 - No Practice
  • June 12-14 - USRowing Youth National Championships (must qualify) - Sarasota-Bradenton Florida
  • Friday, June 12 - Final Practice of Spring Season

Athlete Spotlight

BIRGITA STILLMAN

Junior at Whitefish Bay High School

When/Why began rowing:

I began rowing my freshman year of high school because I had heard of it through a friend and was currently in cross country but wanted to try something new. After learn to row I knew it was something I wanted to stick with.

Favorite workout:

I love when we get to do any racing type pieces on the water especially against another boat but my favorite work out on the water or the erg would have to be the pyramid of  500m to 1000m to 1500 to 2000m and back down.

Preferred side when rowing:

I have gotten to row both sides and find that I love to row either port or starboard.

Favorite aspect of rowing:

My favorite aspect of rowing would have to be the intensity and excitement of racing. When your boat is so close to another and you start to walk on them its one of the best feelings. You finally see all the hard work you’ve put in pay off.

Favorite rowing season & why:

My two favorite rowing seasons are spring and winter. I love the high intensity of sprints in the spring and although winter can drag on and be difficult its great to see yourself get stronger and stronger.

What motivates you to work hard?

Whenever I think about where I started in rowing and how far I have come it helps me to push myself even further.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:

I love to do anything outdoors, such as rock climbing, hiking, surfing and stand up paddle boarding.

Favorite quote:

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller

Winter Season Recap

On Monday, the MRC Juniors moved practice out of the basement and into the boathouse. The athletes and coaches are excited to be out on the water to continue preparation for the racing season this spring. The head coaches, Peter Helfer (boys) and Roger Huffman (girls), take a moment to reflect on the indoor season below.

Boys Team Recap
Over the years, I noticed that the "energy" of the team follows the weather: as the temperature drops, and the days shorten, the vigor demonstrated by the athletes during practice trends with it.  The winter training plan is deliberately designed to include activities to keep things fresh and provide a periodic spark during the dark, cold months of a Milwaukee winter.

This winter was a little different.

The boy's team moved indoors with an enthusiasm we haven't seen before.  Guys showed up ready to work hard, push themselves, and improve as rowers.  Part of that drive likely stemmed from the superb additions to Fight Club - including squat racks, benches, and additional weights - but mostly it is representative of the passion these guys have for their sport, bettering themselves, and pushing their teammates.

This winter, we made huge strides as a team by not only focusing on brute strength and power on the erg, but also on our cross training, rowing rhythm, and overall mental approach to competition.  We are as well rounded as ever in those disciplines and we look forward to continuing this trend on the water and in our preparation for spring racing!

Girls Team Recap
Each year we approach the winter season striving to build off of our momentum from the fall. While focusing on technique and mental approach, our training plan is shaped to build strength and endurance, increasing as we approach the spring. This winter the girl’s team began with growth in numbers. From the first day, the new athletes gave the team an infusion of energy and enthusiasm. This has translated into great depth throughout the girls team.

As the winter months passed, I could see the team develop a new personality and a passion for what they were achieving each week. Indoors, the girls have been successful in creating a positive atmosphere and improved camaraderie while competing against one another each day. This balance is not easily attained, and it comes from their understanding that they need each other to reach their spring goals.  Each month, I have seen the girls making immense improvements on the erg and in their strength training. From top to bottom, scores are the best they have been in my time here. This comes from their desire to compete each day and it has put them in a great position as we move our practices to the boathouse. I look forward to seeing the girls continue to improve on the water, and I am excited to see what they can accomplish through the spring season!