Getting to Know You with Nicole Furmanek

April 14, 2010

Throughout the 2010 season, SoonerSports.com provides an inside look into OU rowing. This week first varsity eight member Nicole Furmanek is on the hot seat.

Favorite moment on the water...
Our heat at the San Diego Crew Classic. No one really knew just how we would compare to the other boats or what to expect. We rowed up to the start confident and ready for the challenge of making the grand finals. We jumped of the line and held our lead. We crossed the finish line and were ecstatic; it was our best race yet, we made it the Grand Finals and we made a huge statement.

Interests outside of rowing...
Playing sports, listening to music, any outdoor activities, swimming, working with kids and teaching swim lessons.

Person that most shaped my life...
My parents. They have always demanded a lot from me at a young age and pushed me to go after my biggest dreams.

What is your favorite thing to do in Norman?
Any OU athletic event. The atmosphere and excitement is amazing!

List three words that describe you...
Passionate, Ambitious and Competitive

Name one thing that fans don't know about you...
Usually before a race I listen to Celine Dion to stay relaxed.

Why did you choose OU?
When I visited OU I found a great sense of school pride, high academic standards and deep athletic success. I was very impressed with the coaching staff and it was clear that they were committed to building a successful program. I wanted to be a part of this team and work towards building a nationally ranked program.

What are your plans after college?
I plan on teaching and coaching at an elementary school somewhere back home in Illinois. During the summers I hope to travel back to Catamayo, Ecuador where I have done some mission work before and teach at a school for underprivileged students.

What's your nickname? Reasoning behind it?
The coaches call me Firm and Furmanator. My teammates would be upset if I did not admit that Nicholas is also one of my nicknames too, it started as a joke and somehow just stuck.

Favorite aspect of OU Rowing team...
Our work ethic. We may not be the biggest, most experienced or fastest crew on paper but we do not use that as an excuse, only a reason to work even harder. There is a great amount of trust and respect in our boat, after a race or a piece at practice you can turn and look at any rower; they are bent over, breathing hard and you know they gave it their all. We have a lot to prove and there is not a day that goes by that we forget that.

What is the last song you downloaded?
"In My Head" by Jason Derulo

What's your favorite TV show?
I love the Office and any episode of Friends or Law and Order!

Favorite book?
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall

Favorite restaurant?
Ted's

If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be?
Kurt Warner, Mark Spitz and Will Smith.

Most cherished childhood memory?
Every Sunday during the summer when my mom's side of the family would spend the day at my grandparents' pool, 15 grandkids, squirt guns, tons of food and lots of laughs; always a good time.

What do you picture yourself doing 10 years from now?
I see myself teaching third grade at a local elementary school and coaching, probably swimming or basketball, married with a large family, four to five kids and at least two dogs. We have a decent size house with a huge yard near a lake.

Most visited web site?
Gmail.com

Favorite Quote?
"You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own high standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy." --Arthur Ashe

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Getting to Know You with Nicole Furmanek

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