By Chris Estrada

All Patrick Sullivan wanted was a chance to make the U.S. Rowing 23 years and younger team. He got a chance to do something bigger.

The sophomore economics major and member of Northeastern crew capitalized on the opportunity, winning a silver medal as part of the U.S. national team in the coxed four category at the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Gifu, Japan, Sept. 4.

“It was pretty cool that you got to wear USA on your clothes,” Sullivan said. “It was cool to be part of the best crews in your country.”

Sullivan went through a complex process in order to qualify for Japan.

“You go through a test, actually a couple of them,” Sullivan said. “There’s a 2,000-meter test and a 16,000-meter test that you have to submit to the coaches, and then you have to get a recommendation from your head coach.”

Sullivan then went to camp in Princeton, N.J., where he did seat racing in two four-man boats. Initially there to try out for the Under-23 team, Sullivan’s fortunes changed when he ended up in the coxed four for a chance at the senior World Championship team. After trials in July were completed, Sullivan’s group met the time standards.

But while Sullivan has been receiving praise for his silver medal, two other current NU rowers also showed their competitive streak in their respective world championships.

Shane O’Mara, a senior finance and insurance major, represented USA in the quadruple sculls (two-oar) event in Japan, while middler Marshall Godschalk wore the flag of the Netherlands in the straight four event at the Under-23 World Championships in Amsterdam in July.

“Shane was in an extremely, extremely competitive boat,” said John Pojednic, NU crew head coach. “It was a very significant step for him.

“A lot of the European countries and Australia prioritize the quad as a key race, and for him to make the team and race them was a great achievement. He’s one of the much more experienced guys on the team, and the example that he sets will be a key source of leadership this year for us.”