Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rosman.
Mike and Jan Rosman founded Parati Competitive Rowing in 2012. Parati is a non-profit youth development program for kids in grades 8-12 located in The Woodlands, Texas. Their program is completely volunteer-run, including Head Coach Mike Rosman and Program Director Jan Rosman. Coach Mike was a world-class athlete (wrestling) and through sports, he was afforded many opportunities, including a full scholarship at Northwestern University. Parati is his way of giving back.
Parati has enjoyed remarkable success. They are the only team from the Houston area to qualify crews to US Rowing Youth Nationals since their founding, and to date, they have qualified 39. Parati will travel to Sacramento, CA in June to compete in their 6th US Rowing Youth Nationals. They have also earned 35 State Championship titles in their short 6-year history. In recognition of their accomplishments, The Woodlands Township is declaring an Official Proclamation that May 17, 2018, is Parati Competitive Rowing club Day.
Parati rowers have received millions of dollars in scholarship offers to row at top-tier universities (including Duke, Boston University, Indiana University, Marietta, University of Texas, U of San Diego, and MANY more!). Their program teaches teenagers discipline, an exceptional work ethic, and the importance of service to others. They have created a strong community of athletes where iron sharpens iron – experienced rowers reach back to bring more novice rowers along.
Parati’s motto is PARATUS ENIM VITAE – “Prepared for Life.” Their goal is to create an environment where teenagers reach for excellence in all things and be prepared to be leaders as they leave their program.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been very challenging! When we began we had no money, no equipment, and no boathouse! We had a dedicated volunteer coach and some kids who were eager to learn. A group of parents paid fees up front in Fall of 2012 to give the club a down payment to finance our original fleet of boats. Coach Mike built a trailer out of 2 x 4s to transport equipment to regattas. Miss Jan worked on branding, naming the club and designing the logo. We were a ragtag group but secured a 6th place finish at Youth Nationals that year.
Coach Mike and Miss Jan lived on Lake Woodlands and for the first year Parati rowed out of their houseboats were stored in the yard, the safety launch in their garage. 40 kids came through the front door each day and they lifted weights in the yard. After a year of negotiating, The Woodlands Township made space in a rotting shipping container in the park. In 2017 Woodforest Bank sponsored a beautiful boathouse on Lake Woodlands that we now call home.
Parati’s path to success has been met with resistance by the rowing world. Coach Mike did not even learn to row until he was in his mid-40s and he is a volunteer – most rowing coaches with any success have a long rowing resume and are paid. But our success has taken the world of youth rowing by storm; Coach Mike now has credibility built on solid results and Parati is well known nationally.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Parati Competitive Rowing – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Parati is a family. Coach Mike believes athletes will go the extra mile when training in the company of friends. Our program is very rigorous and takes kids of all sizes, athletic ability, and background. Our only requirement to join is a good work ethic. Some of our most successful rowers were kids who didn’t initially fit the profile of a successful athlete- some were overweight, some had no sports background.
But when they embraced the program and worked hard, they experienced success. One of our rowers began as a 4’10”, 180 lb 8th grader. He now rows as a 150 lb lightweight, has earned many State Championship and Regional Championship titles, and is on his way to his 3rd appearance at Youth Nationals in June. His is one of many such stories at Parati.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Our city is great for rowing! The weather allows us to be in the water year round.
Houstonians have a can-do spirit and are undeterred by obstacles. We have kids who travel to The Woodlands from the Galleria, Katy, Cypress and Humble to row in our program. This is a huge commitment for these families, but sacrifice for a good goal is how we do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: paratirowingthewoodlands.org
- Phone: 832-510-6288
- Email: jrosman4@yahoo.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
