Tech Topics - Spring 2009 - (Page 19) STUDENT LIFE Trading Paddles for Pedals Former oarsmen, left to right, Jonathan Snow, Jeremy Mucha and David Jimenez, friend Jonathan Busch and rowing alum Bobby O’Keefe traded in their skulls and now bike for a cause. The Georgia Tech Crew Alumni affinity group brings together club alumni and current rowers for various events across the country. Several former rowers have begun participating in the Livestrong Challenge in Austin, Texas, held in October to benefit cancer research. The riders this past fall were Bobby O’Keefe, IntA 00; Jonathan Snow, ME 00; Jeremy Mucha, EE 99; Liz Hildick, EE 00; and David Jimenez, Mgt 02. “The idea of all getting together for a fun reunion weekend focused around a charity bike ride sounded truly appointed.” “We are all ex-rowers, and most of us had gotten into riding or racing bicycles,” Mucha said. “The idea of all getting together for a fun reunion weekend focused around a charity bike ride sounded truly appointed.” Each also had a personal reason for taking part in the 90-mile ride, knowing someone either living with cancer or who had died from it. “I’ve had three close family members, including my sister, who had it three times. Two of them died,” Snow said. “I’ve had five friends with cancer over the past four years. Three of them died. “I wanted to do this in honor of my sister and everything she’s been through. While riding, it’s really inspiring to be around the people who are survivors, to see all those who clearly don’t ride much but do the 90-miler in honor of loved ones,” Snow said. The group plans to continue riding in the event every year. More information on the affinity group and a listing of events is available at its Web site, www.alumni.gtcrew.com. The Delaware Valley Georgia Tech Club will cheer on the crew team when it competes at the Dad Vail Regatta on May 9. “It takes a little pressure off of the club officers to have the alumni. It really provides a great network.” “I was on the JV boat my novice year in a race against Texas,” he said. “It was really exciting. We were trading seats with them the whole 2,000 meters, and we won by a couple of inches. That really clinched it.” It’s a passion that runs deep, well after graduation, said Cassi Niemann, Arch 01, M Arch 08, a member of the crew affinity group. “Rowing is a very difficult and demanding sport, both for your body and your time,” she said. “I believe the dedication to excellence, the passion for healthy bodies and the strength of a team are things that are instilled in every student that rows with Georgia Tech crew, and they stay with you long after you graduate.” That lasting bond of rowers creates a network even beyond Tech’s affinity group. When Williams was interviewing for a postgraduation job, he heard that one employee had been a rower at another school, so Williams started a conversation. They talked about crew and, sure enough, Williams got the job. TechTopics | Spring 2009 19 http://www.alumni.gtcrew.com
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