Ricky Bourke is the Manhattan Novice Coordinator. He might be one of Row New York’s younger coaches, but he has rowed for longer than just about anyone else on our coaching staff. He picked up his first oar in middle school after getting cut from a soccer team for the third time (which he admits is pretty hard to accomplish!) Ricky then continued rowing through high school and was recruited to row at Trinity College.
Ricky loves competing, and although rowing can favor people taller than his 5’10” frame, he strongly believes that hard work and determination can yield amazing results. Given that he won a
Ricky believes that good coaching is less about talking to his student-athletes, and more about providing the right environment to help them mature as both athletes and young adults. Guiding by example, prioritizing safety, providing support, and helping to create a team mentality are all critical aspects to his coaching style.
Though fast boats are not the only end goal, Ricky believes in creating a healthy, supportive, and competitive environment among his students and between teams. That
Our student-athletes are asked to show up for every practice, and with
“One thing I have
learned, is that one can talk to the kids and try to impart knowledge, but it is really up to them to put in the hard work. Rowing is not easy. The kids need to show up on time, and with the right attitude. They have to put the work in to get anything out of this experience.”
This is a thought echoed by all of our coaches––they provide the environment and the space to grow, but ultimately, it is the kids who must do the hard work in order to see the benefits.
“Seeing the kids develop not only as rowers, but as people is cool to watch. But it takes time.”
And did we mention hard work?
