The Sphinx of the Charles Quotes

“I think Harry believed that when all was said and done, races were won or lost not based on who rowed the prettiest, but who wanted it more. He would prepare us physically for competition, but ultimately it was our character, our mental toughness that would drive us over the finish line first.”
― Toby Ayer, The Sphinx of the Charles: A Year at Harvard with Harry Parker

“We did what was needed to be done to make the boat because he showed us the way. He showed us how to get there, how to be disciplined in our training, how to push ourselves each day to our limits, and how to be accountable to and rely on the other guys in the boat. He did not seem to focus or intrude on our lives outside the boathouse, but he clearly expected us to bring our “A” game every day to practice. He kept his distance and simply focused on rowing techniques, fitness, choosing the best boat combinations, and race preparations.”
― Toby Ayer, The Sphinx of the Charles: A Year at Harvard with Harry Parker

“It wasn’t about ‘making the team.’ It was about making yourself.”
― Toby Ayer, The Sphinx of the Charles: A Year at Harvard with Harry Parker

“the bad professors pit themselves against the class, but “the good professors get half of the class debating with the other half.” Similarly, “Harry would get half of the crew competing with the other half—setting records for hard work, for dedication, and the like. He did not get us debating with him.”
― Toby Ayer, The Sphinx of the Charles: A Year at Harvard with Harry Parker