Coach Brian Tomko and Coxswain Jill Martin '05 having a pep talk before Head of the Charles 2004.
The "Lite 8:" Alyssa, Kate, Dawn, Sara, Jill, Ashley, Jess, Rachael, and CoachCoach Jim began by introducing "Coach" to the newer team members and crew families. I suppose that Coach began to become suspicious once Jim mentioned how big of an impact that he had on our team and how he was such a great mentor. I wanted to share a few words about my "Coach" and got to unveil the name on the new Vespoli ES V1, the "Coach Tomko."
How could I put into words the impact that my Coach had not only on my collegiate rowing career, but also on the person that I have become today.
Brian Tomko and the SU Crew Team taught me more about my personal values, teamwork and trust, care and concern, and leadership than I have ever learned anywhere else.
Upon graduation and to this day, it is hard to think of Brian as anything but "Coach."
Just when I had thought I lost my faith in rowing during my junior year, I had an amazing opportunity to join the Varsity Lightweight 8. With the help of Coach, our Lite 8 learned to fly, with him right by our side. Nothing excited Coach more than to see us reach our goals, and it was always clear by the wide grin he wore on his face. That is why we are here today, in this moment to celebrate and thank our coach for giving so much to his team and rowers.
As the SU Crew family, new and old, we are eternally grateful for the hard word, dedication, and perseverance Brian Tomko committed to our team.
As a small gesture, without words, his spirit, commitment, and love of the sport will carry on -- in the dedication of the "Coach Tomko."
How could I put into words the impact that my Coach had not only on my collegiate rowing career, but also on the person that I have become today.
Brian Tomko and the SU Crew Team taught me more about my personal values, teamwork and trust, care and concern, and leadership than I have ever learned anywhere else.
Upon graduation and to this day, it is hard to think of Brian as anything but "Coach."
Just when I had thought I lost my faith in rowing during my junior year, I had an amazing opportunity to join the Varsity Lightweight 8. With the help of Coach, our Lite 8 learned to fly, with him right by our side. Nothing excited Coach more than to see us reach our goals, and it was always clear by the wide grin he wore on his face. That is why we are here today, in this moment to celebrate and thank our coach for giving so much to his team and rowers.
As the SU Crew family, new and old, we are eternally grateful for the hard word, dedication, and perseverance Brian Tomko committed to our team.
As a small gesture, without words, his spirit, commitment, and love of the sport will carry on -- in the dedication of the "Coach Tomko."
I'm a little bit happy to say that we made him turn red and shed a few tears, but I think that is just another testament to how big of a heart he has, and how much he has cared about our team over the years.
President L. Jay Lemons was on hand to further congratulate Brian. It was especially touching that he mentioned that so many current students and alumni have shared with him that crew has touched their lives in innumerable ways, as well as their admiration of Coach Tomko.
President Lemons, Coach Brian Tomko, Rachael Gebely, and Jim Gross
Varsity 8 Ladies in the "Coach Tomko"I'd ask that if you have any memories about Coach that you would like to share or well wishes, please post them under the "Comments" section.
I'm so sorry that I couldn't be on-hand for this great event. Coach Tomko and crew were an integral part of my SU experience, and dedicating a boat to a man who dedicated so much time, effort, care, and passion to his team over the years is a truly fitting tribute. Thank you, Coach!
ReplyDeleteWell Rachael you've got me crying, but tears of joy & many happy memories! I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this team back in the day 2000-2004. Coach, Tomko, has been a great inspiration to me as a coach, teacher and mentor. He deserves every bit of attention and love he can get! GO SU CREW!
ReplyDeleteI know my time with the crew team was varied as I navigated my way through college and finally injuries that did not allow me to continue. I must say I look back so fondly on the crew team and what that experience did for me. I am now a Coach myself and think back to how Coach Tomko coached and rembember his many words of wisdom as I coach my athletes. Thanks to everyone at SU Crew.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to hear that the new boat was dedicated to Coach, but sad that we couldn't be there that weekend for the dedication. Crew memories are my best memories of college and the people became my family for 4 years, and Coach was a huge part of that family.
ReplyDeleteRachael-Thanks for keeping up with this blog...it is great to relive memories and keep up with the team. Good luck with your last few races and Vails!
I couldn't be more proud of "Coach". I'm so proud of his accomplishments! Coach Tomko will always be part of the Susquehanna Crew Team in Spirit. I can't thank him enough for pushing me into coxing the men's 8 and then giving me the confidence to cox at the Head of the Charles! I will be forever grateful!
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