Name: Charlie “Chuck” Gagliano
Club or Varsity: Club
Years you rowed at UB: 1990 – 1992. Club president during the ‘91/’92 school year.
Walk on or experienced: Walk on.
Favorite rowing memories: It’s hard to believe I was only part of the team for two and a half years. I met so many great people, made several friends and met my wife Wendy during that time. Our novice crew in 1990 was the first group that Tom and Diane coached, and that was also the first year we rowed out of Hide-Away Harbor on the Tonawanda Creek. The following year we focused on strengthening the team by starting the concession work at the Bills games and negotiating with the UB Student Association for increased funding. Kevin Horihan worked really hard that year. (and probably every year since…). One of the great memories was when Kevin, Wendy, Tim and I drove the SA “Wonder Van” to Durham Boat Company to pick up the trailer we bought and then traveled to Vespoli to pick up the new sectional 8+ and 4+. Transporting new boats is a great way to learn to drive a trailer! The road trips were always a blast. I had the chance to row during two summers as well – Lwt 4+ at club nationals after novice year when we learned what “DFL” meant in the heats, and the Lwt 2- the following year with Mike Schmidt.. Best result was my last race with UB, winning the Lightweight 8+ at the 1992 Head of The Fish. The team was really starting to make progress at that point, which was great to see.
Current occupation: Chief Engineer at Honda Research and Development / masters rower. Still rowing and competing. Currently on the Greater Columbus Rowing Association board of trustees.
Advice to current rowers: It takes consistency over time to build your aerobic capacity. Putting in the work will pay off, so stick with it and try not to have big gaps in training. Also, enjoy these years, but keep rowing after graduation if you have the opportunity. The rowing community is growing and people with collegiate experience can play a huge role supporting those new to the sport and helping to strengthen smaller club programs.