This is the first of a three-part series on the former Cornell University rowers that will make up the members of the USRowing national team that will compete at the upcoming 2017 World Rowing Championships. No other university has more athletes represented on the U.S. world teams than Cornell.

ITHACA, N.Y. – USRowing recently announced the team that will represent the United States at the upcoming 2017 World Rowing Championships. Among those selected are five former members of the Cornell University rowing programs, including former lightweight rowers Chris Rogers '15 and Jack Ruske '17. The first international rowing competition held in the U.S. in over 20 years, the event will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1 in Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
 
"It is a joy to witness these competitively driven and successful athletes extending themselves onto the world stage," said Chris Kerber, The Henry E. Bartels '48, Head Coach of Men's Lightweight Rowing at Cornell University. "No doubt their intelligence, professionalism and everyday approach will get them far in this, the leading edge of world rowing." 
 
Chris Rogers '15  
 

Rodgers was named to the U.S. team in lightweight men's double sculls. A native of Ithaca, N.Y., he won the event in the 2017 U.S. Senior and Para World Championship Trials. He finished 10th in the same event at 2017 World Rowing Cup II after competing for the U.S. in the lightweight quadruple sculls event at the 2016 World Rowing Championships.
 
As a member of the Big Red, Rogers was a two-year letter winner and was a member of back-to-back undefeated national championship varsity eight crews. He was named first-team All-Ivy twice during his career as the varsity eight won back-to-back Jope Cups and consecutive Ivy League Championships for the first time in over 50 years. The Big Red varsity eight was also named both the EARC and IRA Lightweight Crew of the Year both seasons. He served as team captain as a senior and helped Cornell to consecutive semifinal finishes in the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. As a sophomore, Rogers rowed in the third varsity eight that won the silver medal at the 2013 EARC Sprints. He rowed as a member of the freshmen eight during his rookie season and helped the crew to a fourth place finish at the 2012 EARC Sprints.
 
Big Red View – Former Teammates On Rogers
Chris is a prime example of huge amounts of hard work paying off. From a wide-eyed walk-on to one of the fastest ports in the league and that C150 has ever produced. He has a unique ability to keep the boat atmosphere light, fun, and very, very fast. – Connor Hayes '16
  
His amazing passion for the sport is evident to anyone he meets and it drove him up the ranks on the squad.  He earned the respect of his teammates with two perfect seasons in the varsity eight and captainship his senior year. He continues to be thirsty for success, training with an incredible level of dedication and motivation. His natural leadership abilities and team oriented mindset drives others to success. His devotion to team and sport will bring him success as he continues to compete internationally. – Katie Falb '15
 
Chris is a killer and has an "attack" mentality. He is all about slaying the mammoth. – Nigel Harriman '16
 
From very early on in his career, Chris a.k.a. Jaws enjoyed the process. The process of training, building a crew; and taking two steps forward and one step back. He relished the opportunity to get knocked down, only to come back with even more vigor than before. Many teammates and competitors alike were perplexed when he initially found success on the water and erg, but that was because no one could appreciate what he was capable of. That's what made him so dangerous. Reviling in the daily grind, sharpening his skill and approach to racing with every session. He built and trusted the process then used it to his advantage on race day. – Will Oprea (Choirmaster c. 2013-2016)
 
Here is a perfect example of Chris as a person and leader – In the lead up to the Ivy League championships in 2015, Chris and I both came down with fevers over 100 degrees. Instead of being negative about our physical condition leading up to the race, which could have affected other people's mindset in our boat, we stayed quiet and went about business as normal. We ended up winning by just under a second, and without Chris's contagious positive attitude, I don't think that would've happened. – Dan O'Neill '17

Jack Ruske '17
 

 

Ruske was named to the U.S. men's quadruple sculls team after winning the event at the 2017 U.S. Senior and Para World Championship Trials.
 
As a member of the Cornell men's lightweight rowing team, Ruske rowed for the varsity eight that capped off undefeated seasons with an IRA National Championship as both a sophomore in 2015 and as a senior in 2017. Ruske also helped the crew to an Ivy League Championship as a sophomore and as a senior. By virtue of winning the Ivy League, he was named first-team All-Ivy both seasons. He was also a member of the varsity eight that was named both the EARC and IRA Lightweight Crew of the Year in 2015 and 2017. During his rookie campaign, Ruske rowed with the freshmen eight that took the bronze medal at the 2014 Eastern Sprints and helped the Big Red to earn its first Jope Cup since 2008. He was a three-time IRA All-Academic Team selection and an Academic All-Ivy honoree.
 
Big Red View – Former Teammates On Ruske
Jack may not always be the loudest man in the boat, but he speaks up at the times when a voice of EQ is needed. He was always able to find the precise words to keep the collective focus.  His methodical training provided some much credibility to his words. Jack's team player approach enabled many around him to be successful and he always gave his all to achieve this success. – Katie Falb '15
 
Jack is a rare example of someone younger who inspired older members of the team to work hard. He is fantastically talented. – Ray Richart '15
 
You would be hard pressed to find an athlete with more discipline. Jack was always a positive force within the boat, trying to squeeze every second out of his boatmates. He was a great teammate, and is an amazing athlete. It's no wonder he will see success on the international level. – Nigel Harriman '16
 
Jack's ability to close off the outside world and focus on nothing but going as fast as possible at practice is remarkable. His unrelenting drive to become a better athlete, outside of regular practice hours, were the keys to his success at Cornell and obviously continue to serve him very well. – Connor Hayes '16
 
Jack is a consummate professional – goal setting, planning and then doing the long tedious, repetitive work to make those goals a reality – is reflected in his successes on the water as a two time national champion.  This is just an extension of who Jack is and his achievements in the classroom as a pre-med student only reinforce this.  – Dan O'Neill '17
 
For more information on the 2017 World Rowing Championshps, visit: http://wrch2017.com/