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On [S2] Ep 16 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan are joined by Tom Rooks the Director of Rowing at Williamsburg Boat Club. This episode buzzes with authenticity as Tom shares his "fun first" mantra and how he prepares his juniors athletes to be better humans beyond the boathouse. We get philosophical about saving lives, being well-rounded, and finding your calling. We also slide into tangents about Dave Grohl, ultimate frisbee, and vikings.

TIME STAMPS
0:00 - intro
2:20 - rowing week
4:30 - team culture and coaching philosophy and rowing origin story
12:45 - rowing is all in the Rooks family, the importance of a well-rounded life
22:40 - quintessential Tom and wearing your heart on your sleeve
27:30 - mentoring new coaches
31:00 - what you’re capable of today, vulnerability, resiliency
34:00 - how COVID taught WBC kids their “why”
34:00 - taking his competitive drive to Disc Golf
40:00 - choosing to row and having dominion over it
43:00 - handle nerves, anxiety, expectations - visualize “rear view” moments
49:00 - memorable lessons from Tom’s HS coach
51:30 - how rowing helped Tom and his wife through physical challenges
53:58 - risk management, safety plan development, mishap analysis
1:00:50 - Rapid Fire Q&A

[S2] Ep. 16 Mentions

PEOPLE
Chris Chase (USRowing)
Mike Davenport
Rick Gotham
Rachel LeMieux
Olympian Jim Storm (‘64)
Mary Whipple

CLUBS & SCHOOLS
Green Lake Crew
Mobjack Rowing Association
San Diego Rowing Club
University of Central Florida Rowing
Washington College Rowing
University of Washington Rowing

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS
rowsafeusa.com
USRowing

EVENTS
Beak of the Chick Regatta
Jim Buckley Coaches Conference
Head of the Charles
Head of the Occoquan