By Emma Buford
John Chatzky, mainly known as “Chatz” in the rowing world, visited both the Queens and Manhattan boathouse this summer in order to share all of his rowing knowledge, most importantly in coxing. Chatzky started at the collegiate level with the University of Pennsylvania and has been coxing for 38 years. After much persistence from the their men’s rowing coach, the legendary Ted Nash, Chatzky joined the team and has loved coxing ever since. After meeting with Nash and seeing photos of Olympians and World Champions on the wall behind his desk, Chatzky thought to himself, “I have to get on that wall.” His determination and love of the sport allowed him to eventually become a coxswain for the United States National Team, where, had geo-politics not interfered, he would have coxed at the boycotted 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
While Row New York’s young athletes were warming up in the park, Chatzky conducted a coxswain workshop where he gave advice on the tough job in the ninth seat. Chatzky told stories from his own career as well interactions with other national team members. He stated, “The coxswain is the boss. There is no other time in your life where you are really in control. You’ll always have your parents, siblings, your boss at work… but when you’re coxing, no one can tell you what to do. You’re in control.”
Chatzky truly believes that coxswains need to make sure their rowers are having fun. He understands that rowing is not easy and he wants to act as a positive, comedic reinforcement to make practices more enjoyable and rewarding. Once on the water, Chatzky, as well as our Heckscher Foundation intern Jack Smith who coxes for Harvard, took out an eight filled with our Manhattan middle schools girls and boys. Chatzky’s clear commands allowed the athletes to really focus on catch timing and precise direct blade placement. A series of catch-catch-row drills followed by several ten minute pieces allowed the athletes to simulate a true racing situation as they prepare for their first race at the Philadelphia Youth Regatta this coming weekend.
Chatzky’s great spirit and amazing coxing experience inspired the middle schoolers and helped run a very successful and productive practice. Chatzky encouraged the young coxswains to email him with any questions and concerns about racecourses and technique.
Everyone was thrilled that Chatzky visited. We hope he will be back again to teach, inspire, and motivate all of Row New York once more! Thanks so much for visiting us Chatz!
