Star Student Athlete: Philly Rower Shines On, Off The Water

PHILADELPHIA — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from William Strain who nominated senior Liam Patrick Strain, of Philadelphia.

Star student athlete’s name

Liam Patrick Strain

Star student athlete’s home state

Pennsylvania

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Philadelphia

How do you know the star student athlete?

Parent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Row/Crew

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Liam made himself into a solid student while at La Salle College High School, with the understanding and support of a dedicated staff of counselors and educators. Though he was exposed to the sport of rowing before entering high school, at 6' 4" his intent after winning the Catholic middle-school championships was to play at the high school level, but he did not make the cut.

Undaunted, he threw himself into rowing as a freshman, finding he was well-suited for the sport. By sophomore year he won the "Hammer Award" for the best training time on a rowing machine. During the second summer of COVID-19 he was accepted into the prestigious Penn AC Gold program for nationwide high school youth to live, learn, train and compete in a collegiate atmosphere, representing the Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association in the youth category at national-level regattas that summer.

The following year, as a Junior in High School, Liam was a recipient of the distinguished Union League Citizenship Award for outstanding youth who demonstrate, hard work and fair play, has personal attributes of honesty, courage, tolerance, curiosity, and loyalty, and endeavors to follow and uphold the principles of American patriotism. After another successful varsity year as a rower Liam the next summer rowed with the Crescent Boat Club in his hometown of Philadelphia. The climax of the summer season was the Club's competition in the international Canadian Henley Regatta in Ontario, in which he competed at both the 4-man and 8-man events. Unbeknownst to anyone, Liam was suffering from mononucleosis at the time, but completed every event he was expected to. It was not until days later upon his return to the United States that he learned he was suffering from the virus, and that his spleen and liver were enlarged because of the combination of illness and exertion. Luckily, his condition was not as bad as it could have been, but the episode demonstrates the grit and determination this young athlete possesses.

While maintaining a grueling almost daily training schedule with the Crescent Boat Club, Liam also worked that summer as a lifeguard at local condominiums and developments. He was a sacristan for his parish, and he has participated in social service projects, some through school and some with his family - a tradition he carries on from his recently departed grandmother.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

He consistently overcomes his self-doubts

Keep up the great work, Liam!

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