Peter Labbe displays his Coaches Award for his work on the crew team at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. (Submitted photo)
WILBRAHAM — After a promising start to his crew career, Wilbraham & Monson Academy sophomore Peter Labbe, of Westfield was named the recipient of the Coaches Award for the WMA Crew team for the 2014 season.
Labbe spent the summer training by rowing at the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club to further hone his skills.
“It takes time going to a regatta and spending all day traveling around,” Peter said, “and how to rig and de-rig the boat. All that stuff . . . your first year there’s a little bit of a learning curve. This year was easier because I knew what to expect.”
Labbe’s determination and persistence are ultimately what led him to receiving the Coaches Award. He is the perfect example of how hard work is the key to success.
During the Fall Varsity Sports Award ceremony, where Peter received his award, coach Heidi Ostendarp said, “The winner of the Coaches Award pulls much more than his own weight. He practiced rowing over the summer to increase his strength and refine his technique. He rowed a fantastic race in Springfield, in which his boat placed first, and in Northfield, which helped his boat a second place.”
“Whatever seat he fills – sweeps, sculling, steering – he quietly strives to do his best. At the boathouse, he doesn’t ask, ‘What can I do?’ Instead, he looks around, sees what needs to get done and quietly does it.”
Coach Ostendarp’s use of the word “quietly” was appropriate, as Labbe has proven to be a teammate who does not strive for recognition, and does not need the satisfaction of public recognition to work just as hard as everyone else. – Courtesy of WMA student James Sabatino (Westfield)
