"The guys here are highly competitive, but very supportive of one another. Our varsity oarsmen help to develop the greenest walk-on and the most accomplished recruit."
Early in the Fall, there is a fair amount of variety in the way coaches choose to begin the year. Some row a lot. Others focus on small aspects of technique. In the end, it's always interesting to learn how different coaches use their creativity to jumpstart their teams at the outset of the school year. Observing the Hoyas in action, we would say that Evans Liolin is progressive in his approach – practices lead the oarsmen from easier technical drills to more demanding work, demonstrating a level of coaching discipline and confidence in his knowledge well-suited to the Georgetown Lightweights.
Evans Liolin, the Varsity Men's Lightweight Coach at Georgetown University, believes "there is something special about the energy at Georgetown. The program has early roots in our nation's history and that may play a part. In fact, the school colors were chosen by the rowing team to represent unity among our students at the close of the Civil War." The location in DC puts Georgetown "right in the capital of the free world," Liolin says, adding that "our neighborhood locale is ideal, nestled above the city, but only a short walk to the river." Add to that, "tremendous alumni support, teammates as devoted as they come, and you have a world-class education."
"height and erg score are important; there is no way around it. But once you are within range, it comes down to temperament. In many respects, personality and temperament can trump erg score."
The Georgetown Lights are a consistent top performer in the EARC elite, medaling alongside the likes of Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth and Navy. "The guys here are highly competitive, but very supportive of one another. Our varsity oarsmen help to develop the greenest walk-on and the most accomplished recruit. Our guys consider this team a family and they really look after each other." Liolin adds, "Some become Rhodes Scholars, CEOs and policy makers, but on the water, they're regular guys going after high, clean goals."
When asked about what he looks for in potential recruits, Liolin says, "height and erg score are important; there is no way around it. But once you are within range, it comes down to temperament. In many respects, personality and temperament can trump erg score." Liolin adds that "a good sense of humor" is perhaps one of the most important traits in a good teammate.
Liolin offers advice to anyone beginning the recruiting process: "Talk to the rowers and ask the hard questions, the ones that matter most to you. You need to ask the tough questions to determine if a school is the best fit for you. Then, go with your gut."
Catch the Georgetown Lights in action this fall, including a visit to the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta on October 23rd and 24th.
