Athlete Spotlight

RUSSELL WONG

Senior, Wauwatosa East High School

When/Why began rowing:

I started LTR the summer before freshman year. I tried it out because my older brother Hank was on the team and I decided to stick with it.

Favorite workout: 

The best work out we've ever done was when we rowed from the junction all the way around the harbor, past the art museum, around to the break wall, and then back to the junction. Nothing's better than the lake in the morning.

Future plans: 

Next year I plan on rowing at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR.

Favorite aspect of rowing: 

My favorite aspect of rowing is the team. This sport forces us all to work together and I think we do that pretty well.

Favorite rowing season & why: 

Definitely summer season. I like having morning practices and being able to row out on the lake.

Favorite race & why: 

My favorite race was the duels in Skokie, IL. I'm pretty sure we only did it the one time, two years ago but it was awesome. I wish we had more opportunities to duel other crews.

Athlete Spotlight

ALLI SPENCER

Senior, Class of 2015 at Brookfield East High School

When/Why began rowing: 

I began rowing the summer of my sophomore year. I joined because my older brother was rowing and he really enjoyed it and thought that I would as well. The second I touched an oar, I knew he was right, as I have come to love rowing as much as he does.

Future Plans: 

My experience at MRC has helped me become the athlete I am today.  Next year, I look forward to taking my skills to the next level by becoming a part of the rowing team at Indiana University. 

Favorite aspect of rowing: 

My favorite aspect of rowing is the feeling I get when we win as a team and all of our hard work has paid off.

Favorite race and why: 

My favorite race by far is the Head of The Charles. It’s an experience of a lifetime rowing against different teams from all around the world.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice:  

Outside of practice, I enjoy hanging out with friends/family, shopping, going to concerts and traveling.

Proudest accomplishment in your life so far: 

My proudest accomplishment in my life so far has been going to Youth Nationals with my fellow teammates. It was such a great experience to race against the best teams in the nation.

Favorite Workout: 

My favorite workout on the erg is 1 min. on/1 min. off. I love this workout because it’s fun to see how low you can get your split and how long you can maintain it throughout the workout. I love high intensity workouts!

What motivates you to work hard: 

My teammates and coaches motivate me to work hard.  They are my greatest support and motivate me to never give up during a piece.

Favorite quote: 

“Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”  -Buddha

Athlete Spotlight

SPENCER GASIOROWSKI

Senior, Whitefish Bay High School

When/Why began rowing: 

I began rowing the summer after my freshman year because my sister was on the team and I thought it would be good for colleges. However, I found that rowing was far more than just a sport but such a team effort that really needs everyone involved to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Favorite workout: 

My favorite workout at the moment is ANYTHING on the water, I can't wait to get back to it. But if I had to choose one, I like warming up to the Junction, doing one piece up the Menomonee and then one long steady state piece back home. (that's usually what I visualize while I'm erging)

Future plans: 

I will be rowing at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) next year which is also where my sister goes so I'm very excited to be rowing with her again! As for the team, I'd love to come back the next few summers and teach learn to row to give back to the club. 

Preferred side when rowing: 

Port all the way! 

Favorite aspect of rowing: 

I love those rows when everyone in the boat is so focused and in sync it feels almost effortless to take the strokes.

Favorite rowing season & why: 

My favorite season is definitely spring and summer. The pieces are short, fast and exhilarating. It is also the best practice time, I love being on the water in the morning.

What motivates you to work hard?: 

My motivation to work hard is to improve myself strength-wise but to also be a fierce competitor when it comes to our first regatta. 

Favorite race and why: 

I absolutely love the Head of The Charles. It was a phenomenal experience for me, and I was lucky enough to go twice. The reason why I love it so much is because of the environment. It's the largest regatta I've ever been to and the city of Boston and the course is beautiful.

Interests/hobbies outside of practice: 

Outside of practice, you can find me in my hammock, biking, disc golfing, hiking, riding my moped, long boarding, golfing, and definitely listening to some good music.

Proudest accomplishment in your life so far: 

My proudest accomplishment in life so far has to be rowing in the World's largest two day regatta, HOCR, twice!

Who is your role model and why: 

I really see Tyler Wittenberg as a role model and someone to look up to. Ever since I joined the team, he has been giving everything he has every day at practice and that is something that I strive for.

Interesting fact about yourself: 

I was a 10lb baby.

Favorite quote:

"If you're going through hell, keep going" -Winston Churchill 

Athlete Spotlight

ANNA WISOTZKEY

Senior, Class of 2015 at Shorewood High School

When/Why began rowing: 

I first did Learn-to-Row the summer of 2011. During the fall and spring of my freshman year I played soccer and I officially began rowing in June 2012. Rowing was different than any other sport I had tried previously (gymnastics, soccer, track & field), and I felt like a valuable member of the team instantly. 

Favorite workout (on erg/water/in general): 

On the erg, my favorite workouts are mid/long lengths at rates 18-22spm. On the water, my favorite workout is the pyramid from 500m to 2000m and back to 500m on the Menomonee River and through the junction towards the inner harbor. That workout has varying rates and is extremely powerful when a boat is moving well together. We did that workout a few weeks before the National Championships in 2014 and that was when we realized our potential. 

Future plans (eg: college, next few years on team): 

I do know that I will be going to college next year but I am not sure where just yet. I do hope to continue rowing in college. I realize it might be difficult since I am only 5'3, but I do have options! 

Favorite rowing season & why: 

Spring racing is my favorite because of the shorter, higher intensity pieces. The ability to have your competition directly next to you brings a new level to the competition because you can hear the other coxswains and can see where your boat stacks up.

What motivates you to work hard?: 

I like to think that I am a very motivated person and I try to be proud of everything I do. I also am motivated by my teammates and coaches.

Favorite race and why: 

My favorite race was our final race at nationals last year. We spent the first couple days getting a feel for the environment and the competition and on the last day we decided how we would place even before we launched. We decided that we wanted to stay out front for the whole 2k and we did exactly that. I still can remember how great it felt to cross the finish line ahead of all the other crews. 

Interests/hobbies outside of practice: 

Outside of practice I enjoy staying active. I enjoy running, playing violin and reading. I also spend a lot of time taking photographs around Milwaukee.

Interesting fact about yourself: 

I recently won a national art award for my design and it is being displayed in the Milwaukee Art Museum!

MRC Athlete Spotlight

Tyler Wittenberg

Grade/Year: Senior / Class of 2015

School: Homestead High School

When/Why Began Rowing:

I began rowing the summer before 8th grade.  At that time, I was a tennis player, cross country runner, and participated in track and field.  As soon as I had my first race, I was completely hooked  and decided to dedicate my efforts to the sport of rowing.

Future Plans:

Rowing will definitely be a huge part of my college experience.  I'm really looking forward to having an instant family away from home and building strong friendships with my future teammates.

Favorite Workout:

My favorite workouts on the erg tend to be longer pieces. I also love any workout on the water because it's an awesome challenge to get the boats moving well... and when they do, there's nothing better.

Favorite Rowing Season and Why:

My favorite season to row is spring because of the sprint races.  When you line up next to 5 other boats to race a 2k, it's adrenaline pumping and exciting.  All the hard work you put in over the winter really shows during spring and its fun to see that indoor season transfer to the water.  Anyone who's competitive would love it too.

Interests and Hobbies:

Outside of practice I enjoy hiking, swimming, snowboarding, and pretty much anything active.

Proudest accomplishment:

My proudest accomplishment in rowing has been going to nationals.  The competitive environment was on a whole different level than other races I had competed in, and it was awesome to be part of that high level of energy.  

Role Model:

Since day one, I have always looked up to the older guys on the team who were motivated, which in turn motivated me too.  That really helped me get where I am, and I now aspire to be that type of role model for others. The consistency and professionalism we have had in our coaches has really made a huge difference in motivating our team as well.