On [S2] Ep 16 of Steady State Podcast, hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan are joined by Tom Rooks (Dir. of Rowing, Williamsburg Boat Club). This episode buzzes with authenticity as Tom shares his "fun first" mantra and how he prepares his juniors athletes to be better humans beyond the boathouse. Tom began to coach after 22 years in the United States Coast Guard, and he gets philosophical about vulnerability, resiliency, and saving lives. We also slide into tangents about Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, ultimate frisbee, and vikings.

TIME STAMPS 0:00 - intro 2:20 - rowing week 4:30 - team culture and coaching philosophy and rowing origin story 12:45 - rowing is all in the Rooks family, the importance of a well-rounded life 22:40 - quintessential Tom and wearing your heart on your sleeve 27:30 - mentoring new coaches 31:00 - what you’re capable of today, vulnerability, resiliency 34:00 - how COVID taught WBC kids their “why” 34:00 - taking his competitive drive to Disc Golf 40:00 - choosing to row and having dominion over it 43:00 - handle nerves, anxiety, expectations - visualize “rear view” moments 49:00 - memorable lessons from Tom’s HS coach 51:30 - how rowing helped Tom and his wife through physical challenges 53:58 - risk management, safety plan development, mishap analysis 1:00:50 - Rapid Fire Q&A

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