Great Bridge Crew has a Coaching Staff experienced and trained in rowing and safety. Our Coaches guide the workouts from jon boats (called launches) that follow the shells and direct the rowers on the water. Often, former GBCC Rowers come back to the club to give back to the program that gave so much to them.
HEAD COACH
Giovanni 'Gio' Rodriguez
Photo to come soon
Giovanni E. Rodriguez "Coach Gio" began his rowing career in 2009. He started rowing at Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia where he rowed for four years. A Virginia state medalist, Gio placed 2nd in the men's lightweight 4+ in 2012 and was the Virginia State Champion in 2013 rowing in the men's lightweight double. He went on to become the Sculling Coach at Granby High School, where he has sent multiple boats to states in many categories in both Sculling and Sweep rowing. Prior to joining Great Bridge he also coached the adult program at Hampton Roads Rowing Club for 2 years. We are happy to have him and can't wait to see the success of the team with his leadership.
ASSISTANT COACHES
Don Hughes
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Coach Don started rowing in 1995 as a plebe at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he rowed for four years as a Varsity athlete and had some success against larger schools and more established programs. He rowed as the starboard oar in the men's heavyweight 4. After graduation, Coach Don continued working out via the Erg. In 2012, he joined Juniper Rowing Club and have continued to row since then. In the past couple years, he has converted from sweep rowing to sculling. Coach Don joined GBC in 2021 as an assistant volunteer coach and has become a huge asset to the GBC coaching staff. "I have always enjoyed the physical intensity required to row, but also having to balance force with good technique to move the boat efficiently."
PAIGE RABIDOUX
Coach Paige Rabidoux began rowing in 2010 for Great Bridge Crew and rowed all four years of her high school career, graduating in 2014. Paige was stroke seat in the Women’s Lightweight Four her
senior year winning gold at the Virginia State Championship, silver at Stotesbury, and silver at Nationals. The Women’s Lightweight Four won the triple crown in 2014. Coach Paige graduated from Old Dominion University as a Registered Nurse.
BRIAN GUERTLER
Coach Guertler began rowing for Great Bridge in 2013. Before his graduation in 2017, he served as Historian and President on the Rower Board. Brian excelled his senior year, bringing home the Gold at States in the Men's Double and earning the prestigious Oarsmanship Award. When not helping at practices and regattas, Coach Guertler serves as the Weightlifting Coach for rising Freshman and Sophomore Rowers. In addition, he is currently enrolled at Old Dominion University pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
JUSTIN WILLIAMS
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Coach Justin began rowing for Great Bridge in 2013. He is a Four-time Virginia State record holder in USPA Powerlifting. He is currently attending Western Governors University and will be earning a Bachelors's Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. Justin is also an Eagle Scout, and an avid outdoor junkie that loves camping and hiking.
JUNIOR COACHES
JAKE BETANCOURT
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Jake started crew during his freshman year at West Springfield in Northern Virginia and rowed all four years. After moving to Chesapeake a year later I came to Great Bridge Crew and it's been a fantastic time helping out the novices learn to row or to help improve on their technique. Rowing is a great way to stay in shape, allows you to meet new people and travel to different places and race against other teams. Jake is currently enrolled at Old Dominion University.
CLUB ASSOCIATES
BRYAN STAMBAUGH
Coach Stambaugh, with help from numerous people, established the Great Bridge Crew in 1999. He rowed competitively for two years at the University of Virginia where one of the highlights was racing the Head of the Charles in the Men’s Varsity 8+ in his second year. Since the club's inception, he has seen the club mature from 20 Rowers and two shells to 40+ Rowers and a fleet that now has a variety of shells that allow for sweeping and sculling opportunities. While Coach Stambaugh has stepped back as GBC's Head Coach, he is still active with the program in an advisory capacity and will remain committed to its success.
OTHER COACHES/VOLUNTEERS, YOU MAY SEE AROUND THE BOATHOUSE
JASON KUHN - A former Parent Board President, Jason has found a love for the team and what it stands for. He has dedicated himself to helping out the team into the future with boat/launch maintenance, Regatta Prep and Planning, and graciously has volunteered to drive the trailer to/from regattas when needed. He also acts in an advisory capacity to the board for historical data and trends.
ELIZABETH KIRLIN
Assistant Coach Elizabeth "Beth" Kirlin began her rowing career in 2004 at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, VA. She rowed for 4 years, graduating in 2008, and then continued on to row at George Mason University until she graduated in 2012. While attending George Mason, she coached rowing for 2 years at James Madison High School in Vienna, VA as the Woman's and Men's Novice/Junior Varsity Coach. Coach Kirlin is currently serving on Active Duty in the United States Coast Guard as a Yeoman. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community and she is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Strayer University.
MATTHEW MOREAU - Bio to come soon
WHAT DO GBC COACHES EXPECT FROM ROWERS?
Show up, work hard and have a good attitude.
If a Rower has to miss practice, inform the Coaching Staff as soon as possible. If a Rower is really sick or hurt, the Rower needs to text or talk to Coach. The Coaches will thank you for not passing an illness around! No one wants students to row with an injury.
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