Jack Pesch '19 Recruiting Profile

        Earlier this month my rowing coach was speaking with the team about how you can't be a one trick pony and be successful. For example, if you can row port really well that's great but what happens if the only spot open in the varsity boat is starboard? If you want to better yourself as an athlete you have to willing to make big changes to further your skill and physical prowess. This relates to me, not just through rowing but all aspects of my life.  I have been rowing for four years (all year round) but not all of them have been on the same crew. Many of my previous teammates did not share my ambitions as an athlete and I quit the team and joined a much more competitive and serious crew.  

        As you know rowing is a huge commitment, spending 5-6 days a week at practice all year round. However, I don't let this stop me from doing other things that I love. My day begins at five thirty when I wake up and drive to school for early bird jazz band where I play upright bass. I have been playing bass for four years now and prior to that, I played the violin. I have auditioned and made Allstate and All northwest youth orchestras since freshman year. Sophomore year I won the state solo competition on my upright bass. Every Saturday I play with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for three hours and a string chamber group "Mysfits" for another 90 minutes. I also take private lessons for bass once a week usually after rowing from 7-8. On top of all this, I take AP and honors classes and have maintained an unweighted four-point GPA all throughout high school. After school, I drive to rowing which is a 20 minute longer commute than my previous club. On a normal night without concerts or lessons, I get home around 7:30 and do my homework. 

       I enjoy being well rounded and rowing is not the only thing I am passionate about, but that doesn't lessen my commitment to the sport.  I am capable of performing under stress and pressure and I know how to manage my time well. I would love to continue rowing through college as it is something I absolutely love to do.