Sarasota, Fla. – The Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program is pleased to 
announce that Bernhard Stomporowski, a retired German rower, triple-world champion, and internationally renowned coach, has committed to serving as its 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.”
Current Coach, Greg Wood, leaves behind an organization ready to transform rowing in Sarasota. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served Sarasota Scullers and the community. “Stompo’s experience is unlike any other coach in the region, and I am excited for him to continue the mission of the Sarasota Scullers” said Wood.
Sarasota Scullers Board President Kevin Labrecque is extremely positive about bringing a rowing champion of this caliber to Sarasota as a head coach. “The winning formula that Bernhard used for his own success to achieve World Championship status multiple times will not only serve our youth well, but it will inspire them like never before,’ said Labrecque.
Sarasota Scullers is the oldest organized youth rowing club in Sarasota. Since 1991, the Sarasota Scullers have led the way in competitive team rowing and developing teens’ athletic and competitive skills. Its disciplined rowers go on to do great things and credit some of their success to their time at Scullers. Sign up at https://SarasotaScullers.org/join
