A miracle on the water

February 29th is a special day - not
just because it’s that extra day in February of the ‘leap’ year, but it’s also my former rowing coach’s birthday.

I remember with fondness the days when
Ken Sabbag was our Novice Men’s rowing coach at Wesleyan. I had signed up for ‘crew’ as a college freshman because anyone who was interested could join. At the time, I had little insight into what rowing was all about. Through Ken’s leadership and my experiences, I came to appreciate probably ‘the ultimate’ in team sports. Crew meant dedication and commitment, hard work and endurance, sacrifice and pain. Yet a special camaraderie was formed during those times. Friendships were forged that I still treasure almost 2 decades later. Giving your all for the team, the ‘crew’, meant something. Testing ourselves beyond anything we could have imagined or expected brought out the best in us.