Student on winning team at World University Games

A Grand Valley student and his fellow team members on the U.S. rowing men's eight team captured gold at the World University Games July 7 in Chungju, South Korea. Ukraine took second place and The Netherlands took third. 

Austin Gentry, a junior from Corona, California, is a member and team captain of Grand Valley Rowing. He transferred to Grand Valley from Orange Coast Junior College and is majoring in philosophy and political science.

John Bancheri, Grand Valley rowing head coach, said Gentry's mastery of small boat rowing prepared him to win a spot on the U.S. team. "He constantly asks questions, not because he questions the program, but because he wants to learn the process. He's a true student of the sport," said Bancheri. 

Bancheri said this is the first win for the U.S. in the rowing men's eight since the World University Games began in 1923. The team, which includes members from across the country, completed the race with an overall time of 5:37.30. 

The World University Games is a multisport event held every two years. It is organized by the International University Sports Federation and open to university athletes. This year’s games have U.S. representation in 21 sports with 550 athletes, the largest U.S. team in the history of the event.