TIM WYNKOOP

The Sherpa

ST. ANDREW’S ROWING CLUB, Roswell, GA

The Sherpa (AKA Tim Wynkoop the rest of the year) is the Regatta’s go-to guy for deliveries, rides and just about anything else that needs quick transport by golf cart during the Regatta. Here is his story in his own words:

I started with the Hooch when it was in Gainesville, the year before it came to Chattanooga, a total of 11 years – I guess – Sherpas aren’t known for math. I rowed a little at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio under one of the finest coaches ever in rowing: Ralph Lindamood. It came back into my life when my daughter Kara started rowing with St. Andrew’s Rowing Club in Roswell, Georgia. I became the cook for the team (my garlic hot dogs are infamous and legendary). When my friends from St. Andrew’s transitioned to the Hooch committee, I had to find a niche for myself. At the request of the lovely Elise Lemcke, I took charge of the golf cart, hauling supplies, lunches, water, race results and, lest I forget, many, many people from Point A to B throughout the regatta. That’s how “The Sherpa” came to be – the guy who carries everything! So now you know who the guy is that’s tooling around in the golf cart with the Tibetan prayer flags!

I truly love helping people at a very basic level and working with like-minded people. And the Hooch Committee is formed of that ilk. It’s important to note that most of the Hooch Committee, and many, many of the volunteers, have been involved with the Regatta since it came to Chattanooga – and some from years before. That certainly speaks to their dedication in a sport that involves the most dedication and sacrifice of any sport in existence. Thank you for letting me be your Sherpa!