Summer Break with Andy Derrick

July 31, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - This spring marks the first year of competition for women's rowing, the University of Oklahoma's newest sport. Head coach Leeanne Crain has completed her coaching staff and new assistant Andy Derrick recently sat down with Soonersports.com to answer questions surrounding the new program, as well as gives insight on his personal interests.

Tell Sooner fans a little bit of background about yourself.
"I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I lived in Seattle, Wash., for seven years so I feel very much at home there as well."

Where did you attend college and what is your coaching background?
"I've worked at Pocock Racing Shells, the University of Washington, Cincinnati Jr. Rowing Club, the University of Central Florida, and now Oklahoma. As far as my alma mater, I received both my undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Washington."

How did you become interested in rowing?
"During the spring of my freshman year in high school, I knew I needed something to keep me in shape for football, which I viewed as my primary sport. I tried rowing and it stuck. Within a few months my whole attitude changed and rowing became my main sport. I continued to do both, which caused me to lose bulk and add speed. That allowed me change positions in football, moving from the offensive line to outside receiver until my senior year. It was then I decided I wanted to be recruited for rowing."

What attracted you to the University of Oklahoma?
"The school and the department are held in very high esteem from anyone who knows college athletics. The only thing missing here was the actual rowing program, and I like the fact that I have direct input to fix what is lacking here. Several universities either choose not to or do not have the resources to fund a competitive rowing team. We are being given the tools for success, so it is all in our hands. I like that kind of pressure."

How are you adapting to Oklahoma?
"Very well! The athletic department, Norman and Oklahoma City are all full of very friendly people. We have joked that this is the case almost to a fault. When you are in a hurry it is pretty much guaranteed that the gas station attendant wants to have a conversation with you about how excited they are about OU's newest sport."

Do you expect rowing to pick up interest in Oklahoma soon?
"I do, but I understand this will be a multi-year process. I think the effort the Chesapeake Boathouse staff has made has paved the way very nicely for OU to add the sport. I also think we will get great walk-ons from the OU campus. Oklahoma is a very athletic state. I know it will take some time for the rowing world, especially its youngest members (high school athletes), to realize what is available to them here. Just a few mature athletes selecting to compete at OU will give us the experience we need to combine with our great walk-on population to attain the results we want. From there I think OU will be recognized as an up and coming national power in rowing, much as we are viewed as an established power in all of our other sports."

What is your favorite attribute about Oklahoma so far?
"I love the pride that Oklahoman's have here in their state. So many people have made it clear to me they view this OU as "Oklahoma's university."

What is your favorite rowing experience?
"Winning the Royal Henley Regatta in England with 130,000 spectators looking on."

What other sports are you interested in?
"I love water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding and anything on a boat. As far as watching, nothing is better than college football."

What is your favorite sports movie?
"Top Gun, even though it is not really a sports movie. It is the best movie of all time."

What are a couple of your favorite professional sports teams?
"The Cincinnati Bengals and the Seattle Mariners."

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
"Any that realize they are privileged to get to do what they love for a living and remember the responsibility they have to be a positive role model because of how they are viewed by our next generation of athletes and fans. Examples would be Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong."

What is something everyone should know about rowing?
"Don't knock it `til you try it!" The only people who really know what I am talking about are the ones who have."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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