Masters Coaches
Coach Susan Hermann Seybolt
Susan began her rowing journey at the University of Texas in 1989, where she earned a B.S. in Kinesiology. After college, she shifted her focus to sculling, training and competing while also taking on various coaching roles throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Her passion for coaching spans all levels, having worked with high schools, universities, and clubs, including Vesper, the University of Pennsylvania, Episcopal Academy, Lower Merion High School, and Drexel University.
As head coach at Germantown Academy for 14 years, Susan made a significant impact, developing young athletes and fostering a love for the sport. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated her expertise to coaching juniors and masters at Whitemarsh Boat Club in Conshohocken, PA, where her leadership continues to inspire rowers of all ages.
An active member of the Philadelphia rowing community, Susan has volunteered as an organizing committee member for multiple regattas and has guided her teams to win numerous medals over the past 30 years. Her extensive experience and commitment to fostering talent make her an invaluable asset to the rowing community.
Coach Matt Sidlowski
Matt Sidlowski has been coaching here at WBC since the spring of 2022. He began his own rowing journey in 2016 and has since participated in the Head of the Charles Regatta twice, as well as competing at the Youth Nationals. Over the past two years, Matt has made a significant impact by sending 15 young athletes to the Youth Nationals, with an impressive 10 of them returning home with medals. Currently, he is involved with WeCanRow, where he is helping to prepare an 8+ crew for the inaugural survivor event at HOCR, showcasing his commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for his rowers.
Coach Kirk Beckman
Kirk rowed as a member of the Michigan State University men’s Rowing Team from 1979-1983, where he was the captain of the Men’s Heavyweight team, Rowing Club President, and a coach on the Learn to Row Program. He attended the National Team Rowing camp in 1981-1983. After moving to Philadelphia in 1983, Kirk became a member of the Vesper Boat Club and began rowing on the Senior Elite Team until 1987. In 1988 he became a Vesper Boat Club Master’s Men’s Rower and continues to row with Vesper Boat Club, where he also served as a fifth term Board of Directors member, Vice-President, and President. Kirk has rowed in and won numerous regattas throughout North American as well as in Monaco. Outside of continuing to row, he works with Boy Scouts of American troops and has been the Head Coach at Lower Merion High School since 2008.
Coach David Kaess
Dave began his rowing career in 2004 at St. Augustine Prep High School. He later rowed as a member of Franklin & Marshall College’s Men’s Varsity Rowing Team from 2009-2023. he led the team to the only Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference victory in the school’s history in 2012, and was later named team captain. Dave also joined Penn Athletic Clubs u23 team during the summer of 2012, posting victories at the U.S. Rowing Club National Champsionships in the intermediate and senior level. Dave joined Whitemarsh as a member in 2014 and has actively participated in the club. In addition to being a member of the Master’s Race Team, he has proceeded to coach the Whitemarsh Middle School Technical program, Adult Learn-to-Row program, Circuit Training, and most recently the Whitemarsh Master’s program. He appreciates sharing his passion for rowing by helpig members of all skill levels develop and learn. Outside of rowing, Dave enjoys taking part in strength training, CrossFit, and running. He is currently engaged and is planning his wedding for June 2025.
Coach Jamie Gordon
Jamie Gordon has been coaching for
Coach David Kaess
Dave began his rowing career in 2004 at St. Augustine Prep High School. He later rowed as a member of Franklin & Marshall College’s Men’s Varsity Rowing Team from 2009-2023. he led the team to the only Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference victory in the school’s history in 2012, and was later named team captain. Dave also joined Penn Athletic Clubs u23 team during the summer of 2012, posting victories at the U.S. Rowing Club National Champsionships in the intermediate and senior level. Dave joined Whitemarsh as a member in 2014 and has actively participated in the club. In addition to being a member of the Master’s Race Team, he has proceeded to coach the Whitemarsh Middle School Technical program, Adult Learn-to-Row program, Circuit Training, and most recently the Whitemarsh Master’s program. He appreciates sharing his passion for rowing by helpig members of all skill levels develop and learn. Outside of rowing, Dave enjoys taking part in strength training, CrossFit, and running. He is currently engaged and is planning his wedding for June 2025.