This is the third 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 heavyweight rowers Alex Karwoski '12 & Michael Colella '16. 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.
 
Alex Karwoski '12
 
 

Karwoski will continue his tenure with the men's eight, where he finished fourth at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. His boat won the Final Olympic Qualifying Regatta that year and took third at World Rowing Cup II. 
 
A 2012 graduate of Cornell, Karwoski majored in Civil and Environmental Engineering. While rowing for the Big Red, he was a two year member of the varsity eight, and finished with a silver medal at the Eastern Sprints in the second varsity eight his sophomore season. Karwoski also was the recipient of the "Big Stick" award in 2012 as well as a two time member of the Friedman Strength and Conditioning "Wall of Strength" honor. Last season, he served as an assistant coach with the Big Red heavyweight rowing team.
 
Big Red View – What They're Saying About Karwoski
Alex was always one of those positive athletes that set a goal and went after it. He was fun, he was humble and kind, but he also was always paying attention to the target of speed needed to win. He hated losing, but he handled it in such a heroic manner, which in turn only spurred him to be better. He learned from his mistakes and forged ahead. Getting to work with him not only as an athletes but then as a co-coach last season was a great chapter in my coaching tenure. My excitement is watching his positive influence on the Senior Team, and the speed that it is helping to create! Great speed for the worlds! – Todd Kennett, Spirit of '57 Director of Rowing/Head Coach of Heavyweight Rowing
 
Alex is just an awesome guy all around. Last year he was one our assistant coaches, but it honestly felt like he was just another guy on the team. He would do the workouts with us every day, which really pushed the guys at the top; he would have meals with us; he even played pickup basketball with us. A huge role model, he was a great person to train alongside, and we definitely miss seeing him every day at the boathouse. – Finn Putnam, current heavyweight men's captain
  
Michael Colella '16
 


Colella has been selected to compete with the men's pair after winning the event in the 2017 U.S. Senior and Para World Championship Trials. He finished fourth in the men's four at the 2016 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.
 
The Big Red's commodore during the 2016 season, Colella spent three seasons in Cornell's varsity eight, leading the Big Red to a fifth place finish at the 2016 Eastern Sprints, Cornell's best showing since the 2009 regatta.
 
Big Red View – What They're Saying About Colella
Michael was one of the most focused athletes I have ever had the pleasure to coach. His ability to see what positively affects the speed of the boat is amazing. He was never the biggest, fastest, strongest, but when it comes to putting it all together, he is one boat moving man! As a captain he was a real inspiration and a great leader by example. He is not the typical super tall rowing athlete, but knowing him I am not very surprised he made the team as he has shown extreme persistence and determination before. I am very proud to see him going to Worlds. – Todd Kennett, Spirit of '57 Director of Rowing/Head Coach of Heavyweight Rowing
 
I recruited and coached Mike for two years at Cornell and couldn't be more proud and excited to coach him in the 2- at the highest level of rowing. Mike is one of the most thoughtful and sincere rowers I've had the privilege to coach, and to see him progress from being cut by the Junior National team to making a U23 squad to the US Senior National team in an Olympic boat class is exciting. It only gets harder from here in terms of competition, but I know Mike is up to the challenge. I feel very lucky to play a small part in his journey and growth as a person. I think we have learned a lot from each other over the past whether we realize it or not. What makes Mike so successful is he truly loves rowing and the process of rowing. In military terms I would want Mike in my foxhole if we were going to battle. – Matt Smith, former Cornell men's heavyweight associate head coach, current assistant men's heavyweight coach at Princeton University
 
Michael was the commodore of the team when I was a sophomore, and he has definitely had a significant impact on my career as a rower. While he was never the "strongest" guy on our team, he was an awesome leader, and more importantly, he always gave 100% no matter what we were doing. He showed me that you don't have to be the biggest guy to throw down with the big guys and make boats move, and I couldn't be more stoked for him to race in the pair at Worlds this year! – Finn Putnam, former teammate, current heavyweight men's captain