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!
New Post on CRASH-B’s from Today Health at MSNBC.com
February 27, 2012
Only ergs fanatics can appreciate traveling to Boson in the middle of winter to race at the CRASH-Bs. It takes a special breed to make the trip. Here is a link to a recent article posted on the Today Health blog (MSNBC.com) on the CRASH-Bs.
Al Borghard – Legacy Rowing Coach has passed
November 16, 2011
The thing I remember most about Al Borghard was that he was always on a level keel. I never remember seeing him ever even remotely shaken or flustered in any situation that I witnessed. In fact, he taught me a lifelong lesson one day about three weeks into my rowing career that shaped my rowing path forever. In fact it has impacted my entire life to this day. That day occurred in February of 1981 when Sagamore Rowing Club had just moved to my home town of Huntington, NY. I think we were a group of six athletes, and as I recall we were the only ones rowing on Long Island, except maybe Beach Channel. That February day will always be etched in my mind. Coach Borghard placed me in the bow seat of a 2x with one of my high school buddies Mike, who I mistakenly suggested he come down to try rowing (just kidding Mike). As this was Mike’s first time out I was basically his training wheels as Coach Borghard instructed him on the basics of the rowing. It was about 50 degrees outside but the water temperature was probably more like 40 degrees with no wind, overall not a bad day for a row or so I thought. Thinking things were under control with my blades firmly stabilizing the boat, I was suddenly jarred out of my comfort zone when Mike caught a crab on port side. As he struggled to control his blade he slowly began falling out of the boat towards the water, and made no apparent effort to right himself much to my disbelief. Yep, we both went in and man was that water cold! Coach Borghard quickly got things under control and taught us the first safety lesson in rowing, stay with the boat. About 150 feet away from the boathouse we began a long and frigid swim back to shore which just got slower and slower. What amazed me was how cool and calm Coach Borghard was as he guided us safely back to shore, this of course is a post event reflection. What I was really thinking at that moment being submerged in frigid water was; is this man is crazy we are freezing to death and barley moving and he’s acting as cool as a cucumber as if this swim back was a walk in the park. Once on shore we dumped the water out of the 2x and walked the boat back to the boathouse. We put the boats in slings and then Coach Borghard told us to change into dry clothes. By this time we were both freezing with blue, chattering lips. At that point all I remember thinking was about getting home and jumping in a hot shower. Not. The next thing I know Coach Borghard is telling us to take the boat back down to the dock and head back out to finish practice. My mind started racing and I instantly objected, not so much about the rowing, but to having me get back in a boat with someone who had apparently no ability to right himself when we were moving in slow motion. You’ve got to be nuts is what I was thinking! No thanks! Man, Coach Borghard was great at persuasion, he got me back out there, this time we stayed dry.
That day was one of those life changing days as I have reflected on it many times. While that incident certainly taught me lessons of the toughness and persistence rowing demands, the bigger and more powerful lesson that Coach Borghard showed me was about humility. Being equals when skill levels were different, and that no matter the circumstances rowing and life are really about humility. That day hooked me and I am still going strong 30+ years later, thanks Al!
Those great life lessons were to me what made Al a very special coach. The winning was about shiny objects that get buried away in the closet, while those lessons I still use every single day. Al was also a great rowing coach from a technique point of view, but that evolves as you go through a career. I thank you Al for all you gave and all I received. I am trying my best everyday to share those same life lessons I learned from you 30 years ago who his time to propel forward something more powerful than each individual that has touched this great sport. He coached using a very subtle yet very powerful method, never force, just power. That power I witnessed 30 years ago built the rowing community on Long Island from a handful of rowers and one small club, into a small high school rowing Mecca with many “shiny” new boathouses. You truly inspired me Coach Borghard when I rowed for you, and you still do. I am sure many other high rowers learned similar life lessons and will miss you as well. Your giving was exceptional and will always be remembered.
Thank you Al, rest in peace.
Survey: How is your Training Going?
September 12, 2011
What’s the biggest challenge or frustration you’re having with exercising or training right now?
Please feel free to post comments! Your insight is much appreciated!!
2011 FISA Youth Conference -Princeton, NJ October 13-16th
September 11, 2011
Join Coach Kaehler on Friday, October 14th at the 2011 World Rowing Youth Coaches Conference in Princeton, New Jersey. Dr. Jo Hannafin, physician to the U.S. National Rowing team and Coach Kaehler will team together to discuss rowing-related injuries, and their prevention using the Body Balanced approach to strength and conditioning.
Repeatedly honored among the Best Doctors in America, Dr. Jo Hannafin is a board certified physician in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. She was a USOC physician for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and has been the physician to the U.S. Rowing Team since 1994. An accomplished author, Dr. Hannafin has published over 60 papers in peer-related journals, and is the co-author of the book, “Say Goodbye to Knee Pain.”
Dr. Hannafin was also a former world-class rower. She won three national championships, as well as a silver medal in the lightweight double event at the 1984 World Rowing Championships.
Register in advance through Regatta Central (can provide the link).
Now Available! 12-Week Head Race Training Program!
July 28, 2011
Hey just wanted to let you know I have a new 12-Week Head Race training program out. It is the same system I used to help Michael Stolper win the Grand Master’s 1x at the HOCR and HOSR in 2008 and 2009 using nothing more than my training system. Consistent, efficient, and well balanced training programs will lead to excellent results if the athlete simply follows through. This unique program includes the main elements necessary to help you reach your maximum potential on race day. I can tell you from personal experience, 2010 HOCR, that when you do not apply this powerful system you get lousy results. Last year I over-committed myself to racing the Master’s 1x at the HOCR, and only trained on a sporadic basis where I skipped workouts and did not follow my own training program! What’s the saying, practice what you preach, boy my head is still hurting from that race. Anyway, if you are really committed to reaching a peak performance this fall on race day this program is for you. All the planning is done all you have to do is execute. The training portfolio is comprehensive and efficient so you can keep the rest of your life balanced and sane.
Go to the “Training Products” page or get more information by clicking here.
2011 SRAA’s – St. Joe’s Prep Earn Four Gold Medals!!! See Video
May 29, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tSEgGrXPjc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgBVJ8GbEKg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy8SD_rprsA
Apologies to the V4 lost track of you for a min (the sun was actually in my eyes and I could not see the small view screen on the camera)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNwF-YLTZ_c
Coach Kaehler returns to Penn AC Rowing Association for the 2011 Penn AC Gold Summer Rowing Program
April 15, 2011
Coach Kaehler to provide Dynamic Body Balance Training Clinics to 2011 Penn AC Gold camp athletes at Penn AC Boat Club
Philadelphia, PA – March 22, 2011 – Coach Kaehler announced today that he will rejoin Penn AC’s coaching staff for the Club’s 2011 Gold summer training camp. Kaehler, a three-time U.S. Olympian, four-time World Champion in the Men’s Open 8+, will provide his Dynamic Body Balance Training Programs and group training sessions for Penn AC camp participants. All of Kaehler’s services will be included in the cost of the camp. The 2011 Penn AC Gold Junior Rowing Program will run from June 17th through Aug 8th, 2011.
“For junior rowers with serious competitive goals, Penn AC Gold covers all the key components of effective training and preparation,” said Bob Kaehler, Owner of Coach Kaehler Endurance Training and Conditioning. “With exceptional rowing, training, racing, and results, Pat (Patrick Rufo) has designed a program that rates among the best in the nation.”
Penn AC Gold is an intensive and competitive summer rowing program for junior male and female high school level athletes. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the camp operates out of the Penn AC Boat Club. The program is designed to help athletes prepare for collegiate competition by educating them on essential training elements, including rowing technique, aerobic and anaerobic training, strength and conditioning, flexibility, nutrition, teamwork, mental training, and coxing.
“Coach Kaehler did a phenomenal job last summer working with the athletes of Penn AC Gold,” said Patrick Rufo, Director and Head Coach of Penn AC Gold. “Much of his input and advice allowed our athletes to improve their overall racing results with the camp.
Not only did each athlete leave the camp with a plan to continue improving their fitness, but every single athlete left more confident because of the time Coach Kaehler spent with each rower.”
In 2010, Penn AC Gold enjoyed unprecedented success. 2010 Gold wins included:
• Sweeps in the Junior Men’s 8+ and 4+ (Independence Day Regatta), winner of Mariner’s Points Team Trophy
• 1st place Junior Men’s 4+, 1st place Junior B Men’s 4+, 2nd in Junior Men’s 2-, 1st in Junior B Men’s 2X, Penn AC won both the Overall Team Points Trophy as well as the Sulgar-Barnes Trophy (Men’s Point Trophy)
The Penn AC Gold 2011 program is open to male and female rowers in three categories:
Senior – High school senior athletes born in 1992 who are not eligible for the US Rowing Junior Selection team;
Junior A – High school sophomores and juniors born between 1993 and 1994 with one to two years of rowing or sculling experience;
Junior B – high school freshmen and sophomores born between 1995 and 1996 with at least one year of rowing or sculling experience.
Penn AC Gold provides junior athletes an opportunity to meet and speak with current and former Penn AC athletes who have participated on the U.S. National Team. The program connects generations of Penn AC rowers, who either have or will go on to represent the United States at the World Rowing Championships and Olympic Games.
Included in the cost of the camp, Coach Kaehler will provide the following services at 2010 Penn AC Gold:
Dynamic Body Balance Presentations and Group Sessions on Corrective Exercises
Body Balance – the synergy of muscle groups in the body – is the core foundation of Coach Kaehler’s approach to training and conditioning. Used by many of the nation’s top rowing programs, Body Balanced training helps rowers improve their power and strength, and reduce their risk of injury.
Penn AC Gold 2011 will feature Coach Kaehler’s presentation on his signature Body Balanced Approach to Conditioning. Following this, Coach Kaehler will demonstrate corrective exercises to the athletes in small group sessions, emphasizing correct form and technique. Review sessions will be conducted periodically throughout the eight week camp.
For more information on Coach Kaehler’s services, or services that can be purchased for an additional cost, please visit www.CoachKaehler.com
or contact Coach Kaehler at CoachKaehler@gmail.com.
About Penn AC
Based in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Athletic Club and Rowing Association (Penn AC Boat Club), is an athletic organization that provides all levels of rowing opportunities and programs. Located on Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River, Penn AC Boat Club has been home to athletes of varying levels and abilities, ranging from novice to experienced juniors to masters rowers and scullers, to elite Olympic athletes and world champions. The winning tradition of Penn AC and its spirit of camaraderie draw competitive athletes from across the country.
For more information about Coach Kaehler and his services, please visit www.CoachKaehler.com.
For admission requirements, pricing and more detailed information on Penn AC Gold, please visit www.pennac.org
Jamie Koven Wins CRASH-B’s Heavyweight (30-39) Age Group
February 21, 2011
Congratulations to Jamie Koven for his impressive win(5:57) at the CRASH-B’s in the 30-39 year-old age group. Jamie began his comeback in 2009 after a nine-year layoff from competitive training as he prepared to race in the Ladies Plate at the Henley Royal Regatta. Following a good training results while training for Henley using Coach Kaehler’s Dynamic Balance Training system, he decided to continue in the hopes of making the National Team, again. Jamie’s recent successes secured him an invitation to train with the National Team full-time in San Diego. Best of luck to Jamie as he looks to compete in 2012 Olympics in London.
Working out with Mother Nature!
January 27, 2011
Make sure you use your hips (not your back) to lift and drive the snow, and keep the back firm when you throw the snow. You must make sure to keep your back in a lordotic (curved) position just like you are doing a straight leg dead lift or bent over row. If you let your back flex (curl) you have a sore low back, and it could cause a low back strain, or worse!!
You Tube Link!