Tom Bohrer ’86, Making a Splash
Tom didn’t just receive an education at Florida Tech, he received life lessons that helped him become who he is today. Bohrer graduated from Florida Tech in 1986 with a bachelor of science in environmental science.
His path to rowing was accidental. During orientation at Florida Tech, he stopped at the first table he approached. It was the rowing table. Destined or not, Tom felt the impact of rowing almost immediately. The more discernable his results, the more he was driven to improve. He went on to row for the U.S. Olympic team in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, winning silver medals in the men’s fours both times.
“I was very fortunate to have two very dedicated and passionate coaches while at Florida Tech. Freshman coach Eric Smith and varsity coach Bill Jurgens brought out the best in my athletic ability, and taught me to how to be resilient and humble while dealing with the ups and downs of being a competitive athlete. It is easy to stay focused when things are going well, but how you deal with things when your back is against the wall is the true measure of character. Much of my learning at
Florida Tech happened in the wee-hours of the morning during practice on the Indian River,” said Bohrer.
Tom also competed at six world championships between 1987 and 1994, winning silver medals in the men’s fours in 1989 and 1991, and a bronze in the same event in 1993. He was voted U.S. Rowing Athlete of the Year in 1989 and captained the 1992 U.S. Olympic rowing team. He also competed at the Goodwill Games in 1990, winning a silver medal in the men’s eights.
Tom became the head men’s rowing coach at Boston University in 2008.
Bohrer was featured in Florida Tech’s 60th Anniversary special edition book, “60 for 60: Celebrating Sixty Years of Alumni at Florida Institute of Technology.” Copies are available for purchase here.
