Miami Rowing alumni and current Vanderbilt Law student, John Misey '20, had an incredible season this year. Winning medals at both Head of the Charles and Head of the Hooch. John and his Vanderbilt crew were also able to stay undefeated in the Men's 8 and the Men's 4 events. We recently had an opportunity to talk with John about his time at Miami University, Vanderbilt University, rowing, and his overall plans for the future.
How would you describe your experience while a part of the Miami University Rowing Club, both as a rower and previous Captain of the team?
I would describe my experience at Miami as tough but fulfilling. As any collegiate team coach would tell you, culture is key. When I joined the team, I knew myself to be out of shape. I found a lot of support from my teammates, especially Joe Converse, Michael Johnston, and Jordan Cameron. Through the training programs at Miami, I became quite physically fit.
I started to take on a leadership role in 2017 as the Safety Chair. I was elected Men's Captain for 2018 and 2019 seasons. It was very challenging, especially in 2018 when I made the most substantial changes to the program trying to improve performance. That year we had a small team with very limited experience and guidance.
Our executive board was very united in wanting to move the program back in a more competitive direction like the early 2010s, when the team won big name regattas like HOOCH. We did better that spring at MACRA, improving in placement in every event. The men's team medaled at HOTO the next fall in 2018 in the men's heavy eight, which undoubtedly was the high point of my undergraduate rowing career.
That spring was a bit more challenging, we lost a few key rowers, had a new exec group, erg season got on people's nerves, and we had some boating issues among other things...
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