1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it?
I went to my first practice in early Sept. of 1997, my freshman year at U.Va. I was persuaded to try it by some upperclassmen rowers patrolling campus that first week harrassing any freshman over 5'10''. That first day, an introduction to the erg, was held in an old, stuffy racquetball court. Needless to say, I'm still not sure why I went back the next day.
2. Was there a practice, race or other event when you fell in love with the sport, or when you knew you might not be too bad at rowing? When you thought you could make the national team?
I really fell in love with rowing the spring of my freshman year in college. No specific event or race, just the season of lining up six boats across and racing. It was so different from my previous athletic experiences.
After competing at CRASH-B's my sophomore year was the first time I actually believed I had a shot at making a national team sometime in the future. I think I finished like 8th or 9th in the collegiate final, but I realized I was close to being on par, at least physiologically, with some of the top college rowers around.
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice?
Best race- The Head of the Charles any given year. You can't beat the atmosphere and everyone's out to have a good time. Worst race/practice- Six milers in the fall.
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about?
I can't think of anything. (Wyatt later related the following story: "I did play an entire season of senior league baseball, started almost every game, without recording one base hit. I actually tried to get hit by a pitch every time I was up to bat. I don't know if that was what you were looking for, but it's something.")
5. Any/Most important advice for young rowers?
The best advice I've received is to never waste strokes. Every stroke taken in the boat is reinforcing a habit or tendency, so it is important to make sure you are reinforcing good ones and eliminating bad ones.
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