Spring Break
George leads by example
Ian George is an intricate part of OSU's men's crew after picking up rowing in only his junior year of college; now captain of Varsity 8+
Makenzie Marineau
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
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The Daily Barometer
At 6-feet-4-inches, Ian George, an Oregon State senior, is looming over most people and striving for a good finish in his last year on the men's rowing team. As a respected team member, George was voted team captain for the 2009 season.
"I try and lead by example. I work hard and continuously push myself," George said. "Internal motivation helps."
By looking at his three-year record at Oregon State, it is easy to see how hard he has worked to get where he is today.
Born in Alaska but raised in Wilsonville, Ore., George had never competed in rowing before he came to Oregon State. In high school, George was a standout swimmer, and with eight years of club swimming experience, he lettered all four years at Wilsonville High School. George also lettered in cross country. But his junior year of college at OSU, two years ago, George went out for the rowing team.
George explained that it was the crave for competition that got him to try out for rowing.
"I was athletic and enjoyed competing," George said. "I craved the competition; it had been too long since I had competed."
He started rowing in the Novice 8+ boat, and before the 2007 year was over, he raced in the Varsity 4+ boat in the IRA National Championship, helping the team row to a fifth-place finish.
George quickly jumped into the varsity competition, skipping over racing at the junior varsity level. In the 2008 season, George was rowing in the Varsity 8+ boat. He helped the Beavers take fourth place at the Pac-10 Championships and 14th at the IRA Championships. This year he has helped Oregon State keep a steady rank at 15th in the U.S. Rowing Collegiate Poll, and crew has become his passion.
"The fitness you gain from rowing is great," George said. "I really feel it is a beautiful sport."
Growing up in Oregon, George knew he wanted to stay in-state after high school. His parents are OSU alumni and his older sister Erin graduated from OSU as well. With the thought of keeping the family tradition alive, he decided to attend Oregon State.
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Denise Tritcak
posted 4/21/09 @ 2:30 PM PST
Ian's personal integrity is well-highlighted in sports. His dedication to his team as well as to his personal goals is obvious. It is wonderful to see the culmination of hard work, uncompromising of ethics and great attitude come to fruition with such success. (Continued…)
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