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A World Champion Returns Home to MQT

7/19/2015

 
Wes Vear has returned home to Marquette after competing at the Summer World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea. Wes and his team, representing the USA, rowed the 8-man shell to victory against the Netherlands and Ukraine to win gold—by an entire boat-length! It is the first time in the Game's history that the U.S. has won that event. Ever.

Before rowing for four years at U of M, and winning at the World Games, Wes rowed in the UPCRC's youth division for four years. Today Wes took some time out to come back to where it all began. He stopped down at the UPCRC boat landing to talk with our youth and adult rowers.

The UPCRC honored Wes with a plaque, donated by QuickTrophy. Along with listing his rowing accomplishments, the plaque is mounted with his size 14 shoes that he wore in the boat while rowing with the UPCRC, which Wes happily autographed. The plaque will be proudly displayed in the UPCRC's clubhouse, and we hope to display it in the Upper Peninsula Community Boathouse someday.

Wes talked to our youth about the importance of balancing schoolwork with training, the camaraderie of the sport, and his training for the World University Games. His sister, Kinsey, who rowed with the UPCRC for a couple of seasons, and went on to row for U of M also discussed the importance of time management, and discipline, along with the differences of the women's varsity rowing program vs. the men's club varsity program at U of M.

When asked if Wes has his eye on the Olympics, he smiled and said that the Olympics are a long ways off. But he does plan on continuing his training.

Tokyo, 2020?

Congratulations to Wes and his team for winning gold for the U.S.! And thank you for coming down to share with us.



Picture
The hands of a World-class rower. Wes says, "They aren't that bad."
Picture
The proud Vear family
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The UPCRC youth pose with Kinsey, Wes, and Coach Ann before heading out for a row.

Taking on the World

7/6/2015

 
Our former youth rower will be taking on the World in the Summer World University Games! Wes Vear and his team will be representing the U.S. and rowing against other University teams from around the globe in Gwangju, Korea this weekend in the Men's eight.

Korea is 13 hours AHEAD of the Eastern time zone. Here is the schedule:

Opening ceremony: July 3rd at 7:00 pm (6:00 am EST)
Heats: July 5th at 12:18 pm (July 4th 11:15 pm EST)
Finals: July 7th at 4:15 pm (3:15 am EST)

So have some coffee after the fireworks, and check out the live streaming feed, then make sure you catch the finals!

Live feed:
https://secure.livefisu.tv/register?utm_source=LiveFisu&utm_medium=DisplayBanner&utm_campaign=Gwangju2015

Rowing Schedule:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tb2dkpguw3fsukq/RowingSchedule.pdf?dl=0

Website (click on sport to drill down to live schedule, results, etc...):
http://www.gwangju2015.com/info/

Follow on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/universiade2015usamensrowing

Team USA participated along with the other teams in the Opening Ceremony this morning.
Where's Waldo?? Well, Wes, in this case? Spotted. Look closely, he has his arms in the air and his hat on backwards, of course.

Good luck Team USA!

UPDATE 7/6/15:
Team USA took first place in their heat in the Mens 8+ at the Universiade 2015 games in Korea yesterday. Our former UPCRC youth rower, Wes Vear, rows seat 4 in that boat. Tomorrow they race in the finals. Go USA!!!

Local news channel WJMN highlighted Team USA's win in their first heat. Click here to see the story.

Update 7/7/15:
THEY TOOK THE GOLD!!
Wes, and his team won the gold in the Mens 8 Final! Congratulations Team USA! Have a safe trip home.
Watch  the YouTube video of the race (USA is in lane 3, Wes is in seat 4):
www.YouTube.com

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