National Rowing Hall of Fame – Class 2012
March 13, 2012
National Rowing Foundation inducts
Bob Kaehler into Rowing Hall of Fame
By Yasemin Watkins
On Saturday, March 10th, 2012, the National Rowing Foundation (NRF) inducted its Class of 2012 into the National Rowing Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held in Mystic Seaport, Mystic Connecticut, honored athletes for their excellence and service to the sport of rowing. Specifically, Bob Kaehler was honored for his accomplishments during his ten years (1991 to 2000) with the U.S. national team.
During this period, he was a finalist in two of his three Olympic appearances — the M8+ in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 — and won four World Championship titles (1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999). Kaehler still holds the record for most world championship titles won by an American in the M8+ event, and course records at the Royal Henley Regatta (Grand Challenge Cup — Fawley and the Barrier).
Other members of the honored Class of 2012 include Kaehler’s former crew mate and friend, Jeff Klepacki (national team member 1989 to 2003), as well as Jen Dore Terhaar, and twin sisters Mary McCagg and Elizabeth McCagg Hills.
Quick Speech
“It’s a great honor to be joining the National Rowing Foundation Hall of Fame,
and the company of such an accomplished group of rowing athletes,” said Kaehler.
“I truly appreciate the long-time athletic effort of all the rowers inducted before me,
as well as the effort the Foundation places in preserving our rowing history.”
While training as an athlete with the U.S. national team,
Kaehler trained with some of the world’s most successful rowing coaches including
Mike Spracklen (1994-1996) and Mike Teti (1997 – 2000).
“Bob Kaehler was a powerful athlete,” said Mike Spracklen, Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team, and Kaehler’s coach during the Atlanta Olympics training cycle. “He had boat-moving skills he’d acquired from sculling, and was a welcome asset to our program.”
“His presence in the eight certainly contributed to its winning the World Championships in Indianapolis in 1994. It was the first time the US had won the world championships in the M8+ since 1987”
After the Atlanta 1996 Olympic games, Kaehler returned to training on the national team with new coach and old friend, Mike Teti.
HOF - Dinner Power Point Display
“I want to give my heartfelt congratulations to Bob on his well-deserved induction into the U.S.
Rowing Hall of Fame,” said Teti, head coach University of California’s Mens crew program. “Bob
has not only achieved on the international stage with his four gold medals, but has also
succeeded in building a business that now helps rowers of all levels accomplish their goals.”
“Most importantly, I have known Bob as a father, husband and friend,”
continues Teti. “In this arena he is truly a world champion.”
During his ten years on the national team, Kaehler raced with many of the most accomplished
rowers in U.S. history, including world and Olympic champions Bryan Volpenhein, and Chris
Ahrens.
“If you read the record books, you’ll see that Bob won a lot of big races — both sculling and sweep rowing,” said Chris Ahrens, world and Olympic Champion (Athlens 2004). “But what you won’t see, is that Bob was the heart and soul of the boats in which we rowed together. He was a generous leader and a great team mate.”
“Everyone learned a lot from him — about competing and about life,” said Ahrens. “I can’t think of a better Hall a Famer.”
The National Rowing Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting athletes who pursue excellence in the sport of rowing. The Foundation’s primary goals include promoting the participation of the United States in international rowing competitions, preserving U.S. rowing history, and managing the National Rowing Hall of Fame.
Today, as Coach Kaehler, Bob Kaehler combines training as an elite athlete, with his training and experience as physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist, to work with athletes of all levels, including world and Olympic champions. His signature approach is based on principles of Body Balance, which he integrates into all of his conditioning and corrective programs. Kaehler lives in Holland, Pennsylvania, with his wife Kim and their three young children.
Congratulations Bob!
1999 Men's 8+
Class of 2012 - Congratulation to All!
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