Karisa Stapp, WWU Rowing Compete for National Title

Karisa Stapp gave the advice little, if any, attention at the time.

Two years ago, as an incoming freshman, Stapp’s father suggested she try out for Western Washington University’s women’s rowing team.

She had just graduated from Mount Baker High School, where she competed in both cross country and track. Her athletic skills were certainly obvious, but everything else – boats, oars, sculling – would be foreign to her.