Live chat with Washington crew coaches

Washington crew coaches Michael Callahan and Bob Ernst talked about the 25th Windemere Cup, their favorite moments and whether Jake Locker and Jon Brockman could have become world-class rowers in an exclusive live chat with readers Wednesday.

Q: Who are the athletes to watch Saturday at the Windemere Cup, including potential 2012 Olympians?

Callahan: Can't speak for the other crews, but for us we know that Conlin McCabe and Anthony Jacob will start training after the season in Victoria to race for Rowing Canada. They have a great shot to make the eight for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Ernst: Kerry Simmonds is our team captain this year and she won a gold medal with the U23 USRowing boat last year. She's got a shot to make the Olympic eight for 2012.

Q: What's your most memorable moment?

Callahan: Sweeping the eights at the IRAs in 2009.

Ernst: Every year that we managed to win the national championship has been a highlight for me. Going back to 1981 and winning the women's championships and the other subsequent championships with the women. And then sweeping the IRAs in 1997.

Q: Are you doing anything special or different to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Windemere Cup?

Ernst: It's going to be on TV (delayed broadcasts on ROOT Sports). There will be a JumboTron at the finish line. And the logo is really classic. Plus there's some cool memorabilia that you can buy at the team shop inside Hec Ed.

Q: Where is the best place to view Saturday's races?

Ernst: Go on the north (UW) side near the JumboTron. Bring a radio, listen to the broadcast on KJR 950 AM. There will be programs distributed. Read the great Jerry Brewer articles in The Seattle Times (Friday) about our history.

Q: Could you have turned Jake Locker into a world-class rower? What would he have had to do to get there?

Callahan: A couple of our guys were hallmates of his freshman year. And to answer that question, yes.

Ernst: Jon Brockman and Jake Locker would have been first-round draft picks for the UW crew program. They're strong and have a ton of heart.

Q: Any advice for local high-school rowers on performance requirements or ergometer scores needed?

Callahan: I recommend that you row well in a small boat, you like to compete and you have an unwavering work ethic. That's what it takes to get in our boats. Erg scores don't tell the whole story. That's like recruiting off a sheet of paper. We like people who are competitive and have proved they can win.

Q: What's the ideal build for a rower? I'm 5-10, 160 but really strong in the legs. Oh, yeah, and I'm over 50.

Callahan: Over 50? You probably don't have any eligibility left! But yes, you can be great rower at that size. Though keep in mind, the average person in our varsity eight is 6-4, 198.