Breaking News
Local Sports

Marietta coxswain Mo Caslow commits to Ohio State University

By Kerry Patrick 3 min read

Mo Caslow's original intention after high school graduation was to leave her home state and experience another part of the country as part of her college education.

What is that expression about best laid plans?

Last week, the senior from Marietta High School announced her intention to attend Ohio State University and join the crew team.

Caslow's college visit to Columbus earlier this year created such positive memories she couldn't turn down the opportunity.

"I have a close friend I rowed with in high school who also attends Ohio State and I stayed with her in the dorms and really liked the experience that weekend," said Maureen 'Mo' Caslow, who is the daughter of Renee and Ben Caslow. "I got along with all her teammates on crew. I went to their 5 a.m. practice and it was exciting to see the whole process.

"I got to see the team interact. It was a great environment. I also got to ride with coaches on the motor boats. At sunset, there was sort of a race between members of the team. I also got to talk to the coxswains."

Caslow, who will fill the role of coxswain for the Marietta 4+ boat which has been invited to compete in the prestigious Henley Women's Regatta in Henley-on-Thames, England, next summer, began her athletic career as a gymnast. She spent 13 years in the sport devoting 20 hours a week in the gym.

"When I decided to move on, I wanted something as intense as gymnastics," Caslow said. "Another gymnast friend went into rowing and tried it out. I like trying new things and I chose to attend a learn-to-row camp.

"That continued into my freshman year. The rowing was equally as intense. When I became a coxswain, it became even more intense from a mental aspect."

Caslow eventually plans to follow in her mother's footsteps in terms of a professional career. Caslow will major in biology on a pre-med path.

"My mother is a pediatrician - from the time I was super little, I admired what she did every single day," Caslow said. "She would come home late and leave early. That's my type of personality and the path I want to take. I want to help others.

"My mother was more of the athletic type when she was younger. She was a gymnast and cheerleader, so from a competitive side she understands where I am coming from. My dad is as equally excited."

One aspect in particular was a major selling point for Ohio State University. The coaching staff listened to the rowers for their input as opposed to telling crew members this is how it will be.

Caslow explained the process of newcomers to the program. Freshmen coxswains start as walk-ons. By their sophomore year they have the opportunity to move to the varsity level.

"I originally thought I wanted to get out of the state of Ohio," Caslow said. "Then I had this connection with the coaches at Ohio State. They reached out and I felt completely different about them, in a good way. They were interested in me after I made sure I was interested in them.

"It's something I have never experienced before. I also found out Columbus is an amazing city."

Starting at /week.