Edwardsburg grad prepares for rowing world championships

Rowing has become a full-time job for 2008 Edwardsburg High School graduate Josh Getz.

“I spend 30 hours a week rowing,” said Getz. “I already work a full-time job (as a gas measurement engineer in Oklahoma City).

“It’s tough.”

Josh Getz had the great honor last summer of competing for the United States in the Rowing World Championships in Chungju, South Korea.

His lightweight men’s eight crew (an average weight of a rower can’t be more than 155 pounds) finished third out of three boats. Because of high costs there were a limited amount of boats.

It’s an experience Getz won’t forget.

“We didn’t do great, but we raced well,” Getz said.

“The most valuable thing was being part of the world championship experience. You see the Michael Jordan’s of rowing working out.

“I love experiencing other cultures. I spent a day in Seoul. It was different than any other city I’ve seen. Seoul has massive blankets of buildings with a few skyscrapers. I enjoyed the food there and when it came to the Korean language I knew how to say, “thank you.” They got excited when I said that. The people over there are helpful and nice.”

Getz is entering his sixth year of competitve rowing. He was a member of University of Michigan rowing club before graduating in 2013.

He was asked what’s different now for him as a veteran rower compared to his first year in the water.

“I know what to expect and I’m able to race harder,” Getz said. “I know my body better and how hard I can go.”

That experience should help Getz when he races again at the Rowing World Championships. This year, the competition takes place at Bosbaan, Amsterdam in