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