Both the Canadian four and eight took silver at the Pan American Games, which took place in Ciudad Guzman, Mexico.

“It was a huge spectacle and an experience I will never forget,” Wakulich wrote. “I learned a lot about racing and competition in general. All of the races were extremely close but we were not able to come out on top, which was disappointing. More fuel for the fire, though, right?”

His summer and fall successes proved enough to earn him the invite to the 2012 Olympics, which will be held in London.

“It seems quite apparent that he has continued to develop physically and technically,” Parker said. “I think it’s quite an achievement for him to be included in the eights group.”

“I’m excited to have Dave here,” Howard said. “He brings a really good work ethic; he brings a really great attitude. He wants to be here, and he wants to do whatever he can to help improve the team.”

Boat announcements are off in the distance. For now, Howard, Wakulich, and the rest of the athletes are focused on the long winter training months that lie ahead.

“We’re both excited to put in the miles,” Howard said. “Medals are awarded in the summer, but they’re won in the winter.”

“Our national team training program has been a bit of a shock to the system, but one I expected,” Wakulich wrote. “Rowing is my job now and let’s just say I no longer have American collegiate sport organizations limiting how many hours a day or per week I’m allowed to work out.”

Whatever the outcome of the months ahead, Parker notes that their accomplishments to this point have brought joy to Newell Boathouse.

“We all must take a great deal of pride in their achievements, both the coaches and the oarsmen,” Parker said. “We’re very proud of them.”

—Staff writer Christina C. McClintock can be reached at ccmcclin@fas.harvard.edu.