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MICHAEL BRACHMANN Q WHO IS HE? Prairie Ridge High School graduate and U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet Q FAMILY: Parents, Valerie and Jim Brachmann; brother, David; and sisters, Amy and Allie Q FAVORITE BOOK: “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King Q FAVORITE MOVIE: “Lone Survivor”
CRYSTAL LAKE – Michael Brachmann’s ship has come in. With a host of academic and athletics achievement under his belt, the recent Prairie Ridge High School graduate has been accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, where he will become a key part of its rowing team. It’s quite an accomplishment for the 18-year-old, considering the academy has a highly selective admissions process – it admitted only 16 percent of applicants last year. It’s all the more remarkable considering Brachmann first picked up an oar less than a year ago.
Brachmann’s family has a long history of involvement with both the military and the sea. Both of his grandfathers served in the U.S. Navy, and his great-grandfather was a Sea Scout Leader and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary on Cape Cod. Now, he will be following in their footsteps. Reporter Zach Brooke caught up with Brachmann before he left for the academy to get his thoughts on rowing and what lies ahead.
Brooke: When did you first start rowing? Why did you pursue rowing verses other sports? Brachmann: I actually started
rowing last August, so in rowing terms I am still a novice. In addition to rowing, the sports I participated [in] in high school were golf, baseball and swimming. I pursued rowing because I love the water and I enjoy working as a team, which rowing forces you to do.
Brooke: When did you learn that rowing was something that you excelled at? Was there a moment you knew? Brachmann: That would have to be when I did my first 2K. I could tell by my coaches’ reactions that they were excited at what I could do. Also, I took a first place in my first novice race at the Tough Cup Regatta in Chicago.
Brooke: Why did you choose the Coast Guard Academy? Did they approach you or did you approach them? Brachmann: I chose the United States Coast Guard Academy
because I knew it was something I could be proud of the rest of my life. It incorporates all my interests and strengths, and is the perfect fit for me. I want to serve a bigger purpose and do something meaningful. It is an honor for me to attend this amazing institution because of the tradition and history it holds and the opportunities it will provide that otherwise would not be possible. I emailed admissions for information and then applied.
Brooke: What was the recruitment and enrollment process like? Brachmann: The admission pro-
cess is highly selective and based on merit. Two hundred eighty cadets will be in my class this year out of thousands of applicants. You have to have proven academic accomplishment – especially in math and science – skill as an athlete, a record of service to the community, motivation to embrace leadership development and an unwavering desire to serve your country and humanity to be tendered an appointment. I was required to write four essays, get three letters of recommendation, have an eye exam, a medical exam and the [military] physical fitness exam. And, of course, submit my transcripts and ACT score. The rowing coach at the Coast Guard Academy supported my application.
Brooke: What were your perceptions of the Coast Guard before applying to the academy, and how have changed after being accepted? Brachmann: I didn’t realize it would be as militaristic as it is, and
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I know now it is much more of a humanitarian service, protecting the nation from threats on the sea, protecting people who use the sea, and protecting the sea itself.
Brooke: What are you looking forward to the most? Brachmann: I am looking forward to working hard, meeting quality people with goals and interests like mine, being held to a higher standard and going to school in a climate of tradition, self-discipline, responsibility and integrity.
Brooke: How long have you been involved with the Crystal Lake Rowing Club? Brachmann: Only 10 months, and I wish I had started sooner. I thought about rowing since I was a freshman and finally decided to try it out my senior year. I’m glad I did.
Brooke: What’s your training routine like there? Brachmann: We have a boathouse
on Crystal Lake and an indoor training center with ergs and weights. We practice five to six days a week either on the lake, weather permitting, or indoors. We attend several regattas throughout the fall and spring seasons, and indoor competitions during the winter season. We also go to the University of Wisconsin – Madison Porter Boathouse or the WMS Boathouse in Chicago for tank sessions once a month in the winter.
Brooke: What’s the most important component to achieving success as a
rower and why? Brachmann: It takes grit and de-
termination to succeed as a rower. You have to push yourself as hard as you can. It’s a combination of strength and endurance, so you need to be physically fit.
Brooke: Do you have any tips on improving your rowing technique? Brachmann: It’s all about practicing hard and practicing correctly, and being efficient with the time you have on the water. You can’t be tentative. You have to give it all you’ve got, which is a challenge everyday.
Brooke: Do you have any rowing role models or idols? Brachmann: I would have to say the nine Americans who rowed for the USA in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, surprising everyone by taking the gold and setting a new world record. Through their hard work and determination they pulled off an amazing victory.
Brooke: Do you know what you want to study at the academy? Brachmann: I will be working on a bachelor of science in marine and environmental science.
Brooke: Do you know what you want to do for a career after you graduate? Brachmann: Upon graduation, I will be commissioned as an officer in the United States Coast Guard and fulfill a five-year commitment to serve my community, my country and my fellow citizens. My ultimate goal is to become an admiral.
Some go from ESL to GED
LOCAL BRIEFS Crystal Lake man killed in motorcycle crash
CRYSTAL LAKE – A 41-yearold Crystal Lake man died after losing control of his motorcycle in Chicago early Sunday morning. The crash occurred on the westbound side of Interstate 290 near Mannheim Road shortly before 2 a.m., according to an Illinois State Police news release. The man was traveling on a gray 2010 BWM motorcycle as part of a group of motorcyclists. The man lost control of the motorcycle and struck the median on the left side of the road, causing both the driver and passenger to be ejected into the westbound lanes of I-290. The motorcycle also struck a light pole, which fell onto the road. Three vehicles crashed into the fallen light pole. The identity of the deceased Crystal Lake driver is being withheld until all next of kin are notified. His passenger is identified in the news release as Miranda Valles, 21, of Downers Grove. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Environmental group seeks parade volunteers
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are seeking summer parade volunteers. People of all ages are needed to help the Defenders promote their message of caring for the environment while collecting empty recyclables from parade spectators. No experience is required. Members and nonmembers are welcome. The Defenders will participate in parades Sunday in Crystal Lake, July 19 in McHenry and July 23 in Algonquin. To volunteer, call 815-338-0393 or email mcdef@owc.net. For information, visit www.mcdef.org. – Northwest Herald
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Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com
Heidi Fawcett (left) of Crystal Lake and Steve Reed of Crystal Lake bike on the Ridgefield Trace bike path June 10 in Crystal Lake. There are gaps in the Ridgefield Trace bike trail where bikers must go into the street to continue on the trail.
CL, McHenry have decrees on bike safety • BIKES
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OBITUARIES ON PAGE A6
Lee P. Cloonan 30 Barbara Jo Gustafson 72, Algonquin Duane “Buckwheat” Johnson 93 Mary Ann Mueller Lois Norgard 95, Hebron
Voice your opinion
If you ride a bike, do you feel safe doing so on roads? Vote online at from where its pavement ends NWHerald.com. in a cul-de-sac west of North Oak Street to the section that heads east toward Veteran Acres Park. The group’s work has grown beyond just advocating the Complete Streets concept. Nelson, who ultimately ended up joining the advocacy group and eventually becoming its vice president, is trying to get the education and awareness side of things going, he
said. The cities of Crystal Lake and McHenry passed Bike Safety Week proclamations this spring in addition to the regular events it helps host or promote, such as the Night Owl Ride. Nelson sees the proclamations as a step in the right direction, one he’d like to see followed by a promotion of the
Cycling Savvy program. He became an instructor for the program in spring 2012. A traffic cycling education program, the system promotes bicyclists controlling the lane by being in the center of the lane when there is not enough room for a vehicle to safely pass, Nelson said. He’d like to see police departments adopt that mentality when it does its own educational outreach, he said. McHenry Deputy Police Chief John Birk said he would be open to the ideas if there’s justifiable safety reasoning
behind it, but he would be concerned about bicyclists trying to control the lane on roads with speed limits such as 45 mph. Crystal Lake Police Chief James Black had concerns of his own, particularly with road rage and incidents of impatience. “I am an avid cyclist myself, so I certainly appreciate the safety issue, and I understand what bicyclists are trying to do, but as a police officer and the chief, I see an issue with traffic safety,” Black said. “People don’t see motorcycles right now, let alone bicycles.”
Garden Walk to feature waterfront sites NORTHWEST HERALD
LOCAL DEATHS
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CRYSTAL LAKE – An annual garden walk will showcase nine unique gardens, including one that faces the Fox River, a dragonfly habitat and a pond garden. The event, hosted by the McHenry County Master Gardeners and McHenry County College, will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday starting at the McHenry County College demonstration garden and continuing through Crystal Lake, McHenry, Wonder Lake and Richmond. This year’s theme is “Right in Our Own Backyard.” The college’s demo garden
More information For information, call 815-4797570 or email conferencecenter@ mchenry.edu.
includes a vine garden, a shade garden and extensive displays of unique perennials and annuals. This year, a rain garden will teach visitors lessons in water conservation and how to garden in low areas. For the first time in their 30-year history, the Master Gardeners have included a garden that fronts the Fox River. This nautically themed property features many vari-
eties of roses that frame the expansive river view. The walk also comes to Wonder Lake for the first time and features two properties. One site features a lake view and pond garden complete with perennial and vegetable gardens. The other site is a forested lot where homeowners have carved out dragonfly habitats and rain gardens by managing storm water runoff. All of the garden hosts have labeled their plants and will be on hand to answer questions. Master Gardeners also will offer educational materials at each site, highlight each garden’s strengths and cover top-
ics like how to create a pond garden, how to manage storm water runoff and how to garden with large dogs. The Master Gardener plant sale will take place at the college’s garden and will feature some of the Garden Walk hosts’ favorite plants. The plants for sale were all grown by Master Gardeners and will be available while quantities last. Ticket prices are $12 in advance until Thursday or $17 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets, go to www. mchenry.edu/gardenwalk. For information, call 815479-7570 or email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu.
our program, they’re probably not ready for college, and they might not be ready for a job that can provide them a family-providing wage.” According to the Pew study, 75 percent of Hispanics who do not speak English at all have less than a high school education, compared with 18 percent of Hispanics who speak English very well. Virgilio Zelaya, who immigrated from Honduras eight years ago, understands why educational attainment might be more difficult for non-English speakers. Zelaya, 34, said he had zero knowledge of the English language when he moved to the U.S. “You pretend you know everything, but it’s hard, really hard,” Zelaya said. “It was hard. Nobody understood me. I remember one day I went to the store and somebody wanted to talk to me, and I just ran away because I was so scared.” Zelaya took English and GED classes at MCC during the day while working at a bar at night. After earning his GED and completing ESL classes, he finished a certificate in manufacturing design technologies in December. He’s taken some college classes and plans to earn an associate degree. He still practices his English. He watches movies in English he knows in Spanish, and reads books in the same way. Now, Zelaya doesn’t avoid the grocery store for fear of having to speak to someone. In fact, he’s an assistant manager in the produce section at Joseph’s Marketplace in Crystal Lake. “My English is not perfect,” Zelaya said. “But I can speak. I can have communication. I can be a social person. I feel good about it.”