By Lillian Malmberg '17

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) spoke with sophomore Gustavo Abdelnour (GA) of the men's rowing team about his move from Venezuela and how rowing has affected his life. 

SCB: You grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, you are a long ways from home! What made you decide to come to Santa Clara? 

GA: I did grow up in Venezuela. However, I moved to Venezuela for my freshman year of high school. At the time that I started looking for schools I knew that California was the place for me. After visiting schools I knew that Santa Clara was by far my best option. 

SCB: When you are not rowing, how do you like to spend your free time? 

GA: Rowing takes away 24 hours a week from me, if you add academics and sleep, there is not much time left. However, I mostly spend my free time with my teammates. 

SCB: Outside of rowing, what are you most looking forward to about this year? 

GA: It's hard to say, I guess I really want to excel in my academics. The reason why it is hard to say is because I just want to make it into the national championship for collegiate rowing (IRA). Rowing is not just a sport, it becomes a style of life, which is why it is so hard to think of other goals for me this year.

Go Broncos!