Experiences Shape Leader for Men's Rowing

SYRACUSE, N.Y – Senior men's rower Patrick O'Shaughnessy-Hunter has always led by example in his collegiate career at Syracuse University. Now a captain in his final season as a member of the program, O'Shaughnessy-Hunter has emerged as one of the vocal leaders of the team and hopes to guide the Orange to success this spring.

"As a senior, you have been through the ropes," commented O'Shaughnessy-Hunter. "You know what is going to happen and how to do it. It helps to lead the other kids by telling them what to do, rather than just doing it. I always had a good work ethic, but when I was a younger guy I didn't speak up because I didn't think it was my place. As a senior, I can share some of my knowledge with the younger guys."

The Brockville, Ontario native certainly has a wealth of knowledge to share with his teammates. He grew up in a rowing family. His cousin Dan O'Shaughnessy rowed at Syracuse from 2003-06 and went on to compete at The Boat Race on the River Thames in London, England. Another cousin, Conlin McCabe, rowed at Washington for four years, helping the Huskies to three national championships, and earned a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics with the Canadian men's eight crew.

"I'm a third-generation rower from both of my sides," added O'Shaughnessy-Hunter. "It was big in my family. Family influenced me."

Past teammates have shaped O'Shaughnessy-Hunter, as well. As a freshman, he was teammates with the varsity eight crew that placed fifth in the grand final of the 2012 IRA National Championship Regatta. Those relationships and experiences have shaped him as the leader he is today.

"I learned a lot from that 2012 class," said O'Shaughnessy-Hunter. "They were a great group of guys. Every year, there is always a handful of guys that push the limits as to what they can do. I think that is a great thing. When you are indoors at months at a time and still able to push your body to the end, it helps you get through it, too."

The senior rower is going into his third season holding a spot in the varsity eight crew. He realizes the goal is to be in the top boat, but he is not complete with the individual satisfaction. O'Shaughnessy-Hunter understands that all members of the crew need to work together as a team to achieve a common goal.

"You always strive to be in the varsity eight," stated O'Shaughnessy-Hunter. "The bigger goal is to make that varsity eight go fast, it's not just to make the varsity eight."

Now in his final season on campus, O'Shaughnessy-Hunter is looking to leave his own mark on the program. He commended the team's current work ethic and the coaches' ability to mold the student-athletes. With those pieces in place, O'Shaughnessy truly envisions that something amazing can be done by Syracuse men's rowing program.

The No. 14 Syracuse men's rowing team opens its spring season on Saturday morning when it races No. 11 Wisconsin on the Cayuga Lake Inlet in Ithaca, N.Y. O'Shaughnessy-Hunter is looking forward to finally getting back on the water and his final races of his collegiate career.

"It's always a big shock to the system, the first race," concluded O'Shaughnessy-Hunter. "You haven't done the 2K race in so long. Once you are 1,000 meters in, you realize you may have bit off more than you can chew. The first race, we are going to go for it and see it happens. It's going to be exciting and fun. It's good to get back on the water and to what we are supposed to be doing."

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Patrick O'Shaughnessy-Hunter

Related Videos