Spring 2026 Coach Update
From Coach Galen:
I want to start by thanking you for your questions and your continued passion for driving the program forward. It brings me great joy to see that the same drive fueling our current athletes is mirrored by the alumni who built the foundation of this program. As discussed in our recent Zoom meeting, significant changes are already underway, and I want to share the changes that are taking hold.
The pursuit of elite performance is built on a foundation of health, integrity, and mutual trust. We are teaching our athletes that fast boats are composed of individuals who treat self-care as a professional responsibility and view their teammates’ success as their own.
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This culture focuses on two primary pillars:
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Health, Well-Being, and Accountability: A student-athlete's physical and mental health is the priority. We expect our guys to execute recovery habits that build self-trust and to utilize professional resources when challenges exceed their ability to manage them independently.
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Cohesive & Gritty Culture: We view our differences in background and personality as an asset that enables us to enhance cohesion. We are building an environment of mutual respect that inspires every individual to contribute their best and face adversity with a willingness to learn and grow.
In an ever-evolving landscape, we must have a solid foundation. To that end, we have moved toward standardization and unified alignment in our training. The most immediate change is our stroke profile. By going back to basics, we have consolidated into one cohesive unit. We are looking for:
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Body Control: Establishing stability and rhythm.
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Dynamic Power: Ensuring consistent application of force.
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Clean Bladework: Setting the stage for consecutive, consistent excellence.
Our training is calculated and scientific, yet it never loses the signature Beaver grit—the commitment to leaving everything on the water with maximal effort.
We are also making an investment in our coxswain development. As our leaders on the race course, they are being developed to execute the small details in the shell that elevate the program in tandem with the athletes’ pursuit of excellence.
You will also see this unity reflected on the water technically and aesthetically. We have unified what is on our blade faces—Benny is still there, but consistent throughout. It’s about professionalism: we row as one, and our equipment now reflects that.
As we entered our first test week of 2026, I shared a quote with the team: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” We approach every day with purpose and intention. As college students, they have moments when this is difficult, so we give them room to fail in practice so they learn and become stronger for race day and for life.
Looking forward to seeing and meeting as many of you as possible at Crash Beavs and the Spring Launch Dinner at the end of February. In addition, Dam Proud Day is fast approaching, and I ask for your continued support as we push our boats toward faster finishes and develop stronger humans. As the team grows, I look forward to strengthening the ties between our current athletes and the alumni who paved the way. All alumni are welcome to ride on my launch
Sko Beavs!
From Coach Mike:
One of the joys of my role is connecting with alums and hearing their stories. The passion and love that I am able to witness in my conversations is a testament to the bonds that have been created on the Willamette, in the barn and in all reaches of Corvallis. As we embark on the 2026 spring season I am excited for the continued shared experiences of our athletes so that one day as alums they can share their stories with a younger generation of rower and coxswain.
The connection of alum to current athlete is vital to our common goals and their achievement in OSU Rowing. The alumni, supporters, and family are the foundation of realizing Competitive Excellence, Holistic Development and Fundraising & Engagement which are the 3 legs of the One Boathouse Vision.
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I am glad many of you joined myself and the entirety of the OSU Rowing Coaching Staff to listen and learn about the One Boathouse Vision and share your thoughts and ask questions. Your engagement is wanted and needed as we continue in the changing collegiate athletic landscape where OSU is at the forefront of a rebuilt PAC-12 and Men’s Rowing exists in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference and Women’s Rowing competes in the West Coast Conference.
The women’s team is grinding away in the Truax Indoor Center during the months of January and February on the ergs while still remaining in touch with the water with rows on the river and on the pond. Daily we ask of these women to sacrifice for each other and for themselves, to be a bit better, to be willing to endure for another stroke, to be willing to live in pain for another moment, to be willing to enjoy the fruits of their labor, just for a chance at victory.
We hope to see many of you on Friday, February 27th at the Men’s and Women’s Gathering and on Saturday, February 28th at the 9th annual CRASH Beavs 2K in the morning and in the evening for the Spring Launch Dinner. It will be a great opportunity to reconnect with old teammates, meet the current team, learn more about the vision and the path forward and share your stories and wisdom for this generation of Beavers.