US Rowing HPD Josy Verdonkschot & Rowingwolf 25 Days Out From The Olympics

With 25 days until the start of the Olympics, US Rowing High Performance Director Josy Verdonkschot discusses the team's progress, the Olympic squad's coaches', perspectives on qualifying crews, challenges faced at the World Cup, Beach Sprints , developmental crews racing at HRR, potential medal counts, and thoughts on preparing for 2028. 

Announcing the pilot episode of "The IRA Rowing Insiders," hosted by Whitney Powell, with commentary by Steve Perry and Sean Wolf. Starting next week, the show will transition to a video format and is proudly sponsored and produced by the IRA. Open men , Lightweight Men & Women and DIII Tune in every Thursday at 7:00 pm Eastern time, from "catch" to finish.

In the latest episode of the podcast, NU Head Coach Alex Perkins and Sean dive into the current state of the Northeastern mens rowing program.  We discuss last year's performance and what's in store for this spring, including the anticipated showdown between the huskies of NU and UW   There's also talk about the recent change in the training schedule and rumors circulating about this being one of the fastest groups of athletes in NU history.  We take a moment to reflect on Alex’s  journey from UW to BU, to serving as an assistant at NU, and eventually stepping up as the interim head coach. It's been quite the journey! We touch on his passion for fishing versus coaching and share insights into the upcoming Sprints league and this year's schedule, including the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. We delve into the intricacies of recruiting, both abroad and stateside, and explore the format of the Sunshine Invite. Overall, it's an engaging episode packed with reflections, insights, and excitement for the future of the program.          

Gabe Winkler and Sean dive deep into the world of men’s collegiate rowing with recent results from The Las Vegas Invite” ,  dissecting the latest developments in the Pac-12, to the “Western Sprints”. Intense rivalries between Cal, UW, and Stanford to the impact on athletes and squads, we explore it all. Hear about Gabe’s national team's glory days, Teti's training methods, and the mantra of 'you don't talk, you just do.' Plus, we delve into boat speed, program standings, and the rich history of lightweight and sweep rowing. Tune in for insights on last year, this spring, and predictions for the future of OSU, Olympic sports, tequila and more               

In this podcast episode with Justin Best, Silver Medalist Mens 4- We reflect on the past year, including thoughts on medaling, qualifying the four, and the shape of the team heading into 2024. Insights into the process of being selected for the 4- and the challenges of being in and out of the boat throughout last year. We analyze the race itself, coming just about 2 seconds short of GB in the final.  The podcast covers the upcoming Winter Speed Order in February, it importance.  The roles of coaches Teti, Casey, Jesse, Josy, and the benefits each brings to the team.  High altitude camps, team dynamics, erg testing are explored, along with insights into the Peach system with Casey Galvanek. The episode continues with a glimpse into work life leading up to the games, the significance of earlier selections, and retaining athletes from cycle to cycle. Life after the games is considered, and we share the excitement of boat naming. The discussion concludes with a spotlight on Drexel and the upcoming spring collegiate racing season….oh and the Eagles and the conclusion of the NFL season 

Join silver medalist Michelle Sechser and I in an engaging podcast episode as she delves into the world of rowing, sharing insights from her training journey with coaches like Josy and Casey Galvanek.  Michelle brings transparency to the discussion, exploring thoughts on Worlds, The Charles, Fall Speed Orders, camps, and the unique bond among lightweight and open women athletes. Discover the financial landscape and the commitment from US Rowing to the lightweight women's 2x. Michelle opens up about her rowing influences and the "GB rivalry," shedding light on efforts to close the gap and GB Crew's recognition as Crew of the Year by World Rowing. Learn about Amanda's leadership and Josy's program, as well as the meticulous monitoring of training, recovery, and performance. As the last dance for the lightweights approaches, Michelle discusses rowing for Tulsa, eyeing the next level, and the journey beyond. Uncover Michelle's sports loyalties, coaching aspirations, and the future of lightweight rowing, including potential pivots to beach sprint and more.  The conversation extends beyond racing results, exploring life after the Olympics, both professionally and personally. Michelle shares her hopes and aspirations for the upcoming Olympic Games, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted world of an elite athlete with a passion for rowing.

Casey Galvanek and Rowingwolf delve into various topics, including reflections on speed orders, coaching the men's four to silver, changes in the selection process and lineup, progressing from World Cup to final selection, insights into the men's eight, mechanics of GB men's four and eight, coaching the lightweight women's 2x with considerations on lineups and athlete thoughts, assessing the depth of the talent pool, comparing USA vs international competition, connecting with athletes and refining techniques like tossing the handles. They discuss nuances like avoiding cheating at low rates while maintaining stroke integrity, potential medal counts, collaboration with Josy, Jesse, and the coaching staff, the journey of coaching Clark Dean, experiences with juniors, Olympians, and the world's best hulls, exploring common denominators, achieving gold medal speed, and contributing to the system through consistent support.

Harvard Men’s Heavyweight Coach Charley Butt and Sean delve into this podcast, covering topics from the current season and expectations to the dynamics of the Harvard Yale race/relationship, coaching changes on the Charles, coaching philosophy, transitioning from a young coach to an older statesman/battle axe on the river, and being the acclaimed sculling guru for athletes like Guerette, Campbell, Gevvie, Tucker, and others. They also explore “Why  Harvard” and the coaching of heavyweights versus lightweights.

Join Greg and I as we delve into a wide-ranging discussion about Greg's preparations for the Head of the Charles Regatta. We'll explore topics such as: - Greg's collection of Charles medals and course records. - His recent training regimen, including insights into tapering in the last few weeks. - The impact of wake and wave energy, as well as any experiences with injuries. - The quest for better beer! - The nuances of Friday racing versus the weekend events. - Different approaches to tapering and training for Elite and Masters categories. - Detailed insights into the racecourse, optimal distances, and strategies (power vs. positioning). - The evolving diet in the final weeks leading up to the race. - Essential gear for racing, including considerations for boat, oars, and weight distribution. - The significance "Magic Rate of 33" . - The importance of the warm-up area and breathing rhythm. - Dietary considerations, including a low residue diet. - Year-round training and the challenges of maintaining racing weight.  - Strategies for training through Masters events. - An overview of events oriented for Masters rowers. - Off-season training and its relevance to overall performance.

A chat with Jimmy Catalano, coxswain of the USA men’s eight team. Jimmy talks about his coxing experience in the US system, coaching alongside Alex Perkins at NU, his time as a coxswain at Wisconsin, the development of the men’s eight crew, their journey to qualify for the Games, the selection process, collaboration with Josy, nuances between NU and Wisconsin, overcoming being cut from soccer, his personal style, and planning outfits for parties.