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Coaches & Board

Picture of Coach Bernhard Stomporowski with megaphone

Bernhard Stomporowski | Head Coach

Stomporowski, also known as “Stompo” in the rowing community, was born in Braunschweig, West Germany. He started rowing in 1982. He first competed internationally at the 1987 World Rowing Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he won a silver medal with the lightweight eight.  He competed in several other World Rowing Championships and participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics representing Germany in the Lightweight Coxless 4.

He has coached on the elite level for nearly 30 years producing dozens of World Championship athletes and preparing many for the Olympics and Olympic trials. His coaching skills have taken him across the world; Switzerland, China, USA, Canada, and Brazil. Now, he joins the Sarasota Scullers where he is eager to bring his experience to develop the Whole Rower; to prepare each athlete for success on the water and throughout life. One important goal of Stomporowski is to ensure athletes continue loving the sport well into their adulthood.

“Teaching and Coaching young athletes is more than just fast rowing,” he said. “It is a process of evolving the athlete to what will ultimately lead to a great individual.” “My father was a teacher; however, he never actually taught me, he involved me,” said Stomporowski, who begins his new role with the Sarasota Scullers on Monday, December 19th. “My goal is to be a teacher just like him.”

Sarah Demperio | Head Middle School Coach

Sarah started rowing and coxing when she was 12 years old. She coxed for CRF(Chicago Rowing Foundation) in high school. During her senior year in high school Sarah led her boat of 8+ to victory in the Midwest and 7th in the nation. She was then recruited to the University of Kansas to cox, before transferring to the University of Depaul. Sarah has been coaching rowers, and coxswains for many years. She is very excited to bring her experience and love of rowing to Sarasota Scullers.

Sarasota Scullers

Board of Directors

Our Board’s passionate support for youth sports and sustainability are crucial to the success of our organization. We have a diverse team that brings the Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program close to the community and ensures a bright future.  Thank you, Board Members, for your commitment to the Scullers team.

President
Kevin Labrecque

Vice President
Dr. Susan Mihm

Finance Chair
Carl Watkins

Members At Large
Wendy Deming
Roger Navarro