Featured Rower | Justin Gaytan

Nickname: Gator
Year: 1st Year
Hometown: Sartell, MN
Major: Business Management
Years on the team: Almost 1 year completed

Favorite Erg Piece: My favorite Erg session occurred on the Monday of January 21, 2013. I entered the erg room that day with the determination to overcome a milestone. I set the erg meters to 500 and placed weights on both ends of the erg to prevent movement. I turned my iPod to the song 'Till I Collapse and waited for the timing. Remembering the racing start taught by my captains, I took off. I felt like I was soaring past the meters with an almost supernatural force. When the dust clouds fell, my newest PR was set. This moment was symbolic; it was the first time I had shown significant improvement from the first day on the erg.

Favorite Cox'n Calls:
"POWER TEN!" -Mike Steinman during Men's Novice 8 to win gold. 

"Attention, and ROW!" -Megan Jones from one of the last water practices.

"Almost there! Finish with power!" -Cassie Milhon during Men's Novice 4.

Favorite Rowing Memory: On the last day of water practice, former Captain Mike Steinman, announced that it was also his last water practice ever. To break the sadness, we rowed out to the middle of the Mississippi River to have some fun. We came up with the idea that if you pull your oar as hard as you can while attempting to stand, we could have the boat move while the crew stood. When it was my turn to try, I pulled as hard as I could and tried to stand. Suddenly, there was a large snap. I instantly fell down and my foot plate had snapped off. I ended up receiving crew loser for the stunt but it was a very enjoyable experience.

Favorite Laundry Detergent: Tide Sport with Febreze