Graham
Willoughby.
|
Graham
Willoughby.
|
We're pretty pleased too. In addition to unbridled enthusiasm, Willoughby offers our rowers a chance to learn from someone with first-hand experience. As a student at Redwood High School, Willoughby rowed on the Marin Juniors Team. He went on to row and study criminal justice at Sacramento State. After graduating in 2001, Willoughby honed his coaching skills with the Capital Crew team, first as an assistant coach, then as the coach for the novice girls' team, and for the last two years, as the coach for the varsity boys. Five of his varsity boys have gone to the National Selection Camp, two placed second in a double at the recent National Team Trials in New Jersey, and several have gone on to row at highly competitive colleges across the country.
Willoughby knows what it takes to compete and to succeed. "I realize that I'm filling some pretty big shoes," he says. "Mike Wallin did an incredible job with the novice team last year. Undefeated - you can't do better than that." But, as Willoughby points out, achievement calls for equal effort on behalf of the coach and the crew.
"I can teach these guys how to row," he says. "But it all comes down to self-motivation. I'm looking for strength and fitness, but I'm also looking for personalities that are willing to push themselves and work with the team."
Team dynamics are important to Willoughby. "You can ask anyone who was on the Capital Crew and they'll tell you that their teammates are the best friends they've ever had," he says. "My goal is for this novice team to have the same great experience and to have success along the way."
When asked what he needs from parents to help this happen, Willoughby is quick to answer. "I want their trust. I want them to know that everything I'm doing is in their kids' interests. I care about these kids, not just about winning. I want them to have an amazing rowing experience at MRA. Just like I did."
The Marin Rowing Association
http://www.marinrowing.org/staticpages/index.php/grahamwilloughby