George Fauver '18

Running through the heart of Maine is the Androscoggin River. The Traquina Boathouse is located several miles north of Bates College campus in the town of Greene, and sits alongside the Androscoggin River. This is where you’ll find college sophomore George Fauver ‘18.

George, a former graduate of Rippowam Cisqua School, has made a significant impact in the world of rowing. His journey has been shaped by the support and guidance of his coaches and the experiences gained from his alma mater.

During his time at RCS, George was already a dedicated rower, training with RowAmerica Rye during the fall, winter, and summer seasons. His commitment to the sport laid the foundation for his future success as he moved on to Deerfield Academy. George's experience at Deerfield Academy was nothing short of amazing, and he credits the school's faculty, facilities, and the influence of his coaches for his personal growth.

“When I came to Deerfield I still played most of the sports I played at Ripp. I played basketball and soccer which Coach K and Coach Ed definitely helped prepare me for.” – George Fauver 

Among the influential figures at Deerfield Academy, Coach Spencer Washburn played a pivotal role in George's development as an athlete. With a wealth of experience from his time as an assistant coach at Princeton, Coach Washburn brought collegiate-level expertise to the team, pushing George to become a better rower. Beyond the technical aspects of the sport, Coach Washburn instilled a sense of discipline and enjoyment in rowing, shaping George's perspective on being an athlete.

Reflecting on his transition to Bates College, George sought a school that excelled both in rowing and academics. Bates proved to be the perfect fit, and George's first year on the team was a success, despite the challenges of filling spots in the varsity boat left by the previous year's graduates. Throughout the season, George continued to improve, and his dedication and rowing technique caught the attention of the coaching staff.

“Similar to my process in applying to Deerfield, I was looking for a school that excelled at rowing as well as academics and Bates fit that very well. My first year at Bates went very well. The year prior the team graduated three quarters of the first boat, which is the varsity boat. We had three freshmen fill in and others step up as well. Many teams in the league counted us out because of this. However, as the season went on, we kept on improving. During the fall, I was in the 2 seat, which is the second seat from the back of the boat. We got 11th at Head of the Charles.” – George Fauver

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Bates men's varsity four turned in the best performance in program history in the Collegiate Fours and the first varsity eight took 11th in the Collegiate Eights race Sunday at the 57th Head of the Charles Regatta, Cambridge, Mass.

As the spring season approached, George took on a pivotal role as the stroke of the boat – the eighth seat from the back and the one responsible for setting the rhythm of the entire crew. His consistent and predictable rowing technique, along with the determination he honed during his time at Deerfield, propelled the team to new heights. Bates College made history under George's leadership, finishing third at the IRA National Championship Regatta, just fractions of a second away from second place.

Spencer Washburn, George's former coach at Deerfield, spoke highly of him, commending his immediate impact on the team and his continuous determination to improve. George's presence, both as an athlete and leader, played a crucial role in guiding the team through challenging times, such as the pandemic, and led to the program's overall growth and success.

“From his first day as a member of the rowing team at Deerfield, George made an impact.  He arrived with real on the water skill and immediately contributed to the top boats – racing to a 4th place finish at the US Rowing Youth National Championships as a 9th grader certainly highlights that! – but more importantly, his quiet determination to be his best helped him to develop in impressive ways.  His approach, a healthy balance of competitive drive alongside the knowledge that having fun would make everyone better, also positively impacted those around him and the development of the team mirrored his own growth. We got better every year and he was right in the middle of it. Given the way he invested himself in the process of getting better, it was fitting that in his senior spring, he was integral in leading the team to a New England championship and a National Championship. George helped the program weather the pandemic and all the challenges that came with that and we emerged stronger than ever – his leadership was critical to navigating those years with such success. We are a better program because of George’s presence and his impact continues to be felt today.” – Spencer Washburn, Deerfield Academy Rowing Head Coach

George is now in his sophomore year at Bates College and has a strong desire to win at the IRAs. His experiences at RCS and Deerfield Academy have left a lasting impact on his journey, fostering lifelong friendships and contributing to his growth as an athlete and individual.

“Coming into my sophomore year I’m very optimistic about winning IRAs at the end of the spring term. I’ve made many great friends, and Rippowam has definitely played a part in my journey here. I am still best friends with many of my Ripp friends.” – George Fauver