Alan Geweke, a University of Wisconsin graduate of 2002 and captain of the 2001 squad, passed away early Thursday morning, August 29. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home in Madison Tuesday the 3rd of September from 4-7pm. There will also be a short visitation before the funeral on Wednesday the 4th from 4-5pm with the funeral directly following.
In lieu of flowers, the Geweke family has asked donations to be made toward a scholarship fund in Alan's name. Further information will be provided when available.
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From Chris Clark:
Alan Reid Geweke, a 2002 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 29.
Alan was a four-year letterman on the men's crew, a member of four Ten Eyck championship squads, and team captain 2000/2001. Alan had just begun his sculling career and was planning a move east this fall to accelerate his advance. His training regimen was legendary: 20, 30, and 40,000 meter ergs workouts were routine. Until this season, Alan held every major reg record at the Wisconsin boathouse. A few years ago, the coaching staff concocted a strategy by which novices could be introduced to the rigors of the sport and hopefully lead to a steady supply of varsity 8 oarsmen. The plan, in our judgement, was brilliantly simple; selected novices were to shadow Alan for one week and copy his every training move. As in many other instances, what seems inspired in the office wilted in the harsh light of reality when it became clear to follow this "strategy" would leave us with a frosh squad of about two guys by year's end.
Alan was exceedingly straightforward, opinionated, and honest. He also was the possessor of superhuman physiology and extreme intelligence. Although outspoken, Alan was an enigma to his very end. Everyone knew he was supremely gifted but we barely sensed the depth and scale of his inner emotional life. Athletes, in the practice of their sport, which is their art, are never really considered "creative" or "artistic" as are, say, writers or sculptors. Alan was the psychological and creative equal of anyone. Sadly, Alan also possessed the one attribute that "artists" are so often burdened with; a spirit and intensity that could not be bound or satisfied.
Alan's commanding presence and position as the athletic standard of Wisconsin Rowing, his searing wit and commentary, and his role as the beloved friend of scores of fellow oarsmen will be sorely missed.
Chris Clark Wisconsin Men's Rowing