Athlete of the Week: Joseph Pantera

Joseph Pantera, 18, started rowing when he was a freshman in high school for the Sarasota Scullers. Pantera, who was home-schooled, spent his senior year on the team as a captain and rowing as part of a boys pair team with Co-Capt. Conor Davenport. The Sarasota Scullers recently went to nationals in Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the third consecutive time. Pantera and Davenport placed third in the nation in the Men’s Varsity Pair.

How did you get involved in crew?
I first became interested because my oldest sister, Mandy, also rowed for Sarasota Scullers in 2000 and 2003. Her excitement for the sport piqued my interest, so I then proceeded to walk onto the team in the beginning of my freshman year. I have been on the team for four years. 

What is it like being part of a boys pair team?
Conor Davenport and I have rowed the pair since the beginning of this rowing season. I enjoy rowing the pair because it takes not only power, but also a great deal of technique and experience. Rowing a pair is very exciting and thrilling if it is done correctly. The pair is very responsive, and every ounce of power applied helps the boat go faster. 

What was the best race you had this season?
The best race this season would have to be the finals at nationals. It was a very difficult but exciting race. It was awesome to have gotten so far as the grand finals. The best part was after finishing the race and realizing we had gotten third in the nation. That was something I will always remember.  

What is one of the best things about crew?
The best thing about rowing is the feeling of winning after long months of training. 

Is there someone in the rowing world whom you admire?
In the rowing world, I most admire my coaches Dragos Alexandru and Randy Higel. Both of them have helped me tremendously over the years by teaching me determination, perseverance and good sportsmanship.   

What was it like going to nationals the last three years?
Going to nationals for the last three years has not only been fun but also an excellent learning experience. It has first shown me how serious competing at the national level is. Also, I had the privilege to witness our team bringing home medals from nationals for the past three years.

What will you miss most about Sarasota Scullers?
I will dearly miss all my teammates, including those presently on the team as well as those who have graduated. They have been my family for the past four years and always will be.   

Will you be doing crew in college?
Unfortunately, I do not have definite plans of rowing in college. I may row for the University of South Florida’s club team in the future.   

Where will you be going to college in the fall?
I will be completing a program through the culinary arts department at SCTI, the State College of Florida and the University of South Florida. I will be majoring in hospitality management and business.