Determination & Camaraderie by Paula Tupper

I first got exposed to rowing through my son, who joined PCRA when he was 13 and took to it immediately. Initially, I seriously questioned the math as I would frequently drive him 6 hours for a 7 minute race, and then have a sullen teenager in the car when he lost first by a tenth of a second. But there was no denying how much he loved it or the impact it had on him. He thrived on the ambition, the camaraderie, and the discipline. It made him a better person. And, it became a big part of his college choice where he is now rowing for Michigan.  Three years ago, I decided to try it myself. It is a very different sport if you are a participant rather than an observer. It is also making me a better person. I love the same things about it, and more. The quiet magical mornings out on the lagoon, the team spirit as we all strive to bring out the best in ourselves, and the inspiring patience of our unequaled coach, Jane. It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself, heightened by the fact that my son now occasionally does the driving and comes and cheers me on at a regattas! Thank you, Jane and PCRA!

-Paula Hayes Tupper – Masters Rower