The Pine Crest crew team recently took a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the annual Head of the Hooch Regatta. This regatta is the second largest in the United States, which includes eighty-three rowing events and over one hundred different rowing organizations. Both the men’s and women’s rowing team performed very well in all of their competitions, including an impressive eleventh place finish in the men’s, lightweight eight category. I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the key rowers on the men’s lightweight eight boat, Ryan Wexler.

This was your first year going to the Hooch Regatta. What was your favorite part of the trip?

Ryan: I loved the race course. The scenery was awesome, and the current made it a fast race.

You have been called a lady’s man, an elite scholar, and an excellent rower. What is the secret to your success?

Ryan: It’s all in the bicep curls. I do six hundred before I go to sleep every night.

What do you think was the main reason for the team’s exceptional performance?

Ryan: Hard work. Our goal was to improve every day at practice. Under the leadership of the great Coach Casey, our team stayed constantly motivated.

You personally have vastly improved over the last year. You have made the jump from last year’s fourth eight boat onto this year’s lightweight eight boat. Why do you think you have improved so much?

Ryan: Morning practice. The only way for an athlete to continually improve is to put in the volume. In crew especially, you are only rewarded through effort. It is almost impossible to be good off natural ability.

Thank you for your time Ryan.

Ryan: Well, my schedule is booked, but I can always find time for a Type One interview.

 What a charmer!