(Shawn is second from the right. Photo obtained from Skidmore Athletics’ website)
The goal was to get the title his senior year, but Shawn Sharifi ‘21 became a Liberty League Champion in crew his sophomore year. Although he didn’t think he’d be rowing at college, and just stuck to using the erg (rowing) machine during high school, Sharifi didn’t actually start rowing on the water until he got to college.
“I didn’t think I was going to compete at the collegiate level, until my friend convinced me that I would be really good at it, and told me I should tryout for the team in college.” Now a junior, Sharifi reflects on his experience with crew and how it has impacted his life.
So far at Skidmore, Sharifi has had a pretty successful career with crew. His greatest accomplishment so far was the Liberty League Championships, when his boat beat the defending champions and broke eight minutes.
However, this was not an easy task. Sharifi was placed in the Men’s Varsity four boat a week before the championships and the adjustment period was rough.
The boat had never rowed together in a four boat before, causing the mental and physical balance to be off and the stress levels to rise. The day before the championships, however, proved to be fruitful. “The balance clicked and we were flying on the water. We knew that something special was going to happen. It came the day of the Liberty League championships,” he explains.
The race was pretty much tied, he recalls, until the 1000 meter mark, when Sharifi and his boat took the lead, and ultimately, the gold.
“I can’t even remember the last minute of the race. It was amazing that we were able to break eight minutes. I usually feel very prepared going into a regatta. I can’t control what the other boat does, nor how they prepared. I can only control myself and how I move the boat in a positive direction.”
Sharifi credits his success on the team on his ability to effectively plan out his time spent on sports and school work. Having a sport in his schedule, he said, helps him with time management skills and making sure he is making the most of his “down-time”. Additionally, rowing has become a good stress reliever for Sharifi, especially after a long day of classes.
“I found myself doing significantly better academically, socially, etc. It’s definitely different for everyone, but finding that balance is critical to becoming successful,” he says.
Now, Sharifi is on the pre-nursing track, majoring in spanish with a chemistry minor, and hopes of going to nursing school to become a nurse practitioner through the Army. He also plays the trombone in the Skidmore band and is a member of the diving team.
As for this rowing season, Sharifi wants to continue winning and accomplish his goals. So far, the team is busy preparing for the Head of the Fish on Oct. 26. When asked what the hardest part of the season has been, Sharifi replied, “definitely the fitness test.” To practice on the water, the athlete has to score above a 75, and complete a circuit that consists of an assault bike, burpees, plank, and push ups. “It definitely isn’t a walk in the park. But I have been getting closer to reaching my goal.”
The best part about the team, Sharifi shares, is the drive everyone has to get on the water and row together. “Rowing means alot to me and I've met some amazing people in college through the sport. Winning the Liberty League Championships was something I wanted to do my senior year, but I managed to do it my sophomore year. The feeling was honestly the most rewarding.”