Contributing to the efforts of the Grand Valley State University rowing team involves great commitment, both of time and perseverance. For junior rower Robbie DeWeerd, joining an even bigger team will become his new task when he flies to Norfolk, Va., on Jan. 2 to prepare for military deployment.

DeWeerd, a member of the United States Navy, will be under orders from Dec. 29, 2011 through Dec. 12, 2012.

He is a member of the reserves, but has been activated for duty.

“When I was in high school I always knew that I wanted to join some kind of service,” DeWeerd said. “I actually had a buddy who joined before I did, and that is what drove me to join the Navy. I knew I had to go to school, but after high school I went to the reserves, did my training and came back in the winter for classes.”

Once in Virginia, DeWeerd will be screened and proceed to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he will train until March 3. After the training, he has a 10-day leave before he heads to Afghanistan for 270 days as a corrections officer.

“Robbie is a very committed young man — to his education, team and obligations,” said GVSU head rowing coach John Bancheri. “He still pushes himself every day even though he won’t be in a boat this spring. It’s also really rare to lose a guy because he is being deployed. In my 32 years of coaching, it’s never happened before. Robbie is a happy, motivated man. I will be glad to have him back and be able to see how he has grown from his experience.”

During his time at Holland High School, DeWeerd participated on numerous teams, primarily soccer and basketball. That team aspect is something he still finds intriguing and is what drove him to take up rowing.

“I went to Grand Rapids Community College for a year and a half out of high school and then came to Grand Valley,” DeWeerd said. “When I came to Grand Valley, I knew that I wanted to do something competitive because I always had the connection of a team. I looked at rowing and a friend of mine was telling me about it, so I figured I would give it a shot. I started off right away as soon as I came here. It is something that I really enjoy.”

From the river to the books, DeWeerd has earned the respect of his teammates enough to be named team captain, a role that is sure not to change while he serves his country.

“I think it will mean a lot to the guys in his class and the rest of the underclassman to have him back next year because he’ll be able to step back into his leadership role and continue to motivate his teammates to push themselves,” said Lisa Saladino, assistant rowing coach. “I think it will give them confidence and allow for a smooth transition of leadership.”

With all intentions to be home before the holidays next December, DeWeerd plans to get back to college life and rowing in the winter of 2013, getting ready to be competitive when the team travels to England that summer.

“I met Robbie my freshman year,” said junior Justin Wegner. “I rowed 4th seat all year and he rowed 3rd in the first freshman boat, so I have grown pretty close to him. He is one of the people on the team you can always count on to be going his hardest. He never cuts corners. It is an honor to be such good friends and teammates with Robbie. It definitely is sad to see him go, but he is fulfilling his obligation and I have a deep respect for him.”

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