If Casey Fuller had been born two weeks earlier, the rower would not have spent part of his summer in China competing for the United States. But as any athlete will stipulate, a missed opportunity often leads to a second chance and Fuller was ready to take full advantage of this good fortune.

                "I was researching the United States under-23 national team and discovered that I missed the cut off by two weeks because of my birthdate," Fuller said. "Coach Charles Huthmaker sent me a link for the World University Championship team which is also a US Rowing National Team. I sent a video of my rowing, erg times, and personal stats. Five months later, I received an email from Coach Gregg Hartstuff telling me I had made the team.  I was really excited."

                With that selection, Fuller was about to start an international experience that few rowers ever receive – a chance to row overseas for their country. He became the second Stag to row for the United States, joining Chris Duffy for that distinction. Duffy competed at the 1997 and 1998 Royal Henley Regatta, was a member of the 2000 Olympic Team and rowed at the 2001 World Cup Regatta.
This year, the World University Championships were held in China, giving Fuller his first chance at international competition, where the United States placed sixth in the men's 4. Now was the time to turn the training and experience he received at Fairfield University into this coveted chance to his country's colors.

                "The guidance, expertise, encouragement, and support from Dr. David Patterson (Director of Rowing) and Coach Huthmaker prepared me for participation in the World University Championships," Fuller said. "They gave me the confidence and skill to compete at the international level."

                His coach is quick to point out that it was his work ethic and desire to compete are at the heart of his success on the water.
"Casey is why college rowing allows walk-ons that have never rowed," Coach Huthmaker said. "He joined FU Crew with a competitive drive and athleticism which is why he has been a successful oarsman.  His dedication to the sport and discipline helped him develop into a world class oarsman."
 
                Fuller, a two-year captain, had been training for this type of competition throughout his four years with Fairfield University rowing, but really began focusing on his regime as a senior.

                "I specifically started training to make it to a higher level of competition at the beginning of my senior year," Fuller said. "After the (Intercollegiate Rowing Association) National Championship, I had one day to pack and drive to Ann Arbor to begin training. I was in Michigan from June 8 to August 3 after which the team flew to China. I practiced seven days a week, twice a day, during our training."

                While the physicality of training was important, it was more critical for Fuller to become synchronized with his new teammates as they came together as a crew for the first time. Spending a lot of time together both on and off the water was an important factor in the successful run in China.

                "My 4 boat rowed together for six weeks before we left for China," Fuller said. "Adjusting to a new boat is really about getting to know your boat mates. Personality matters and I was lucky I really enjoyed the company of everyone in my boat. We all got along great. It takes more than just rowing ability to make a boat work. You need to share the load with your boat mates emotionally and physically."

                The time spent together both on and out of water paid off for the United States crew as it performed well in the international competition. The team secured a second-place finish in its head with a time of 6:48.07, and followed up with a third-place run in repechage with a time of 6:32.66). The team ended the competition with a sixth-place finish in the final, completing the course in 6:43.79.

                "It felt amazing to represent the US at such a prestigious event," Fuller said. "I am very proud to be an American and it was an honor and a privilege to represent both the US and US Rowing in Shanghai."

                While the competition did not offer much down time in Shanghai, Fuller was able to sample the hospitality of the host nation.

                "We did not see much of the country aside from the ride from the airport to our initial training location and the actual location of the World University Championships which were located outside of Shanghai," Fuller said. "The people were nice to us throughout our trip. We had three translators to help us navigate the Championships."

                He also had some support from his family, who made the trip to see him row against the world.

                "My mom, dad, and brother were able to join me in China," Fuller said. "It was nice to have family there to support us."

                His taste of international competition only left Fuller with the desire to want more opportunities to compete against the best of international rowing while representing his country. His experience in China only fortified what he learned about international rowing as a competitor with Fairfield rowing.

                "Many of the teams that we rowed against at the IRAs had international rowers competing," Fuller said. "The level of competition that we were exposed to was impressive. Those experiences really helped me prepare for competition at his level. I am continuing my training now and am interested in competing internationally again."

                Having rowers compete internationally can also be decisive for a program like Fairfield University as it tries to find its place beyond the college ranks. The Stags already send crews to elite competitions such as the Head of the Charles, Dad Vails, and IRAs. With athletes like Fuller, Fairfield continues its evolution.

                "Men's Rowing in the USA is dominated by history," Patterson said. "That history is mostly amongst the Ivy League programs on the East Coast and the powerhouses of Washington and Cal Berkeley on the West Coast with significant contributions historically thrown in by Wisconsin in the middle. While it would be foolhardy to suggest that domination can be broken, having the likes of Chris Duffy and Casey Fuller earning the opportunity to compete on the international stage shows that there is purpose and merit to a young program like Fairfield being able to make a contribution, however small, to the rich fabric of collegiate rowing in this nation."