When James Greer joined RowAmericaRye’s novice program in the fall of his sophomore year, he had never rowed before. Twenty-one medals later, the Rye High School senior is co-captain of the RAR team and has been recruited by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Division I Heavyweight Rowing Team. Coach Aleksandar Radovic, one of his biggest supporters, says, “James is a great teammate who doesn’t say much, but when he does everyone listens carefully.” Greer fell in love with rowing the first time he went out on the water. “Rhythm, motion, the constant physical and mental challenges make me happy. It’s exhilarating to move fast on the water and try to go faster.”  He practices at least three hours a day, six days a week year-round, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.  Coach Radovic, for one, is very impressed with Greer’s work ethic. “James stays at the boathouse for an extra 40 to 60 minutes every day working on different parts of the stroke, physical strength, or just helping other rowers who are struggling.”  The youngest of five, James will be the fifth Greer to graduate from Rye High, but the first to go to MIT, where he was accepted early decision. He plans on majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and minoring in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. His ultimate plan is to do research on thought-controlled electronics used to rehabilitate and empower patients with motor disabilities.One of the many reasons James looks forward to attending MIT is that the crew team practices on the Charles River, the site of the largest regatta in the world and his favorite place to row.

Melanie Cane