TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

This weekend, you get to row in the Harvey Cup against the only other MAC school to have rowing as a varsity sport, Eastern Michigan. Is it better to have an event at home?
It definitely is just because whenever we go somewhere it’s such a large crowd. Even though all our parents are there, you get to have other sports come watch us here, which is good. Plus, it helps when we’re coming under the bridge, there are a lot of spectators and everything.

The Bulls get to row in some of the largest sporting events in the country, including the Head of the Charles in Boston in the fall. What is it like to row in an event that draws so many spectators and athletes?
It’s really exciting. This was my first trip to the Head of the Charles and the day we got there, they had a sprint between four of the top men’s crews. Just to see them go at it for that distance, it gets you ready to go.

The past two years, the novice team has had great outings, finishing seventh at the Head of the Charles this year and winning the Dad Vail Regatta last year. How nice is it to see the development of the young rowers into such a strong group happen so quickly?
Especially this year, because we have such a young team, for them to step up so quickly and fill in roles we need definitely helps. We have four or five of the girls (who won the Dad Veil Regatta) returning and with their experience, it really helps us build boats higher up on the varsity.

Most fall races are distance races while in the spring the races are shorter. Which style do you prefer, the endurance-based fall season or the sprint-like spring races?
Definitely sprints. We train with a lot of endurance so when we get to do sprints at high rates, you get excited and pumped that you’re next to other crews. The adrenaline is pumping and it’s just fun.

You have been a member of the team for four years now. How tough has it been for you to wake up at 5:00 am or earlier every day to get the chance to practice?
It actually isn’t as bad as people think. We’re on the water by 5:30 or 6:00 am. Your body kind of gets used to it after four years. There’s definitely a lot of napping during the day.

In high school you helped Cheektowaga to three ECIC League Championships in swimming. What made you decide to try rowing when you got to college?
It was between rowing or rugby and I happened to go into the rowing meeting first. I love the water, so I changed from being in it to on top of it.

You went to the Junior Olympics as a swimmer. What was that experience like for you?
I was pretty young. I was probably 13 or 14. It’s just tremendous to see all the other athletes that are there and being able to compete at a level like that. That taught me a lot.

You’ve seen a lot of things change at UB in the past four years. We’ve installed turf on the football field, had an All-American wrestler and men’s basketball player, come a half-second away from the NCAA Tournament in men’s basketball and even seen four of last year’s senior athletes sign professional contracts. How much fun has it been to be a part of UB athletics in the last four seasons?
I remember last year, the rowing team was on Spring Break when the guys were playing in the MAC Championships. We were all screaming and yelling at the TVs in the hotel. Just to know the guys on the basketball team and the wrestlers that have accomplished so much and brought so much attention to UB, it’s really good for our school and athletic department.

In your bio, it says that you are related to Walker, Texas Ranger star Chuck Norris. How are you related to him and have you ever met him?
No, I’ve never met him, but he’s my dad’s brother.

What has been your favorite moment as a UB athlete?
I’d have to say this past fall at the Stonehurst Regatta. It’s a combination of an endurance-based 5K and then you have to do a sprint later in the afternoon. So you kind of get the best of both worlds. I was in the second varsity-eight boat that finished eighth, one spot ahead of our varsity boat. Just to be so competitive with each other, it really helps us in our training.

“The 10 Questions With…” feature is compiled by Joe Guistina.