MARIETTA, Ohio — For the first time since 2010, the United States earned a medal in the Men's Lightweight 4 at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Marietta College graduate Jack Gleim (West Windsor, N.J./West Windsor-Plainsboro South) '17 led the Red, White and Blue to the silver medal finishing just behind Italy.

Battling with Germany at the back of the pack midway through the 2,000-meter race, the Americans nearly pulled off an amazing come-from-behind victory. Italy held off the U.S to claim the World Championship with a time of 6:06.54. The U.S. crossed the finish line in 6:07.89, followed by Indonesia (6:09.41), France (6:10.85) and Germany (6:13.94).

"While we knew what to expect, the other crews were able to move away from us during the first half of the race," Gleim said. "Fortunately we were able to find a very efficient base rhythm and the energy we were saving paid dividends during the sprint."

Gleim, who has been rowing for seven years, was in the bow for the Americans. Vincent LaMonte (Holy Cross) handled the stroke position with Kyle James (Wisconsin) in the three seat and Austin Treubert (Naval Academy) in the two seat.

Pioneer rowing fans can appreciate the foursome's race strategy. "Our last 500 meters would look familiar to anyone who has watched Marietta College men's crew race; an all-out sprint to the line," Gleim said.

"Jack and his crew rowed a great race," said Marietta head coach Philip Schmehl. "They committed to finishing strong, which was something we worked hard on while Jack was rowing at Marietta. Despite being out of the medals around halfway, their confidence in the plan led them to the silver medal. This is an amazing accomplishment for Jack and his crew!"

The U.S. did get a measure of revenge in the final race against France. In the preliminary race two days prior, the French edged the Americans in a photo finish. France was credited with an official time of 6:03.70 and the win, while the United States was second with an official time of 6:03.71.

Gleim joins a short list of Pioneers who have excelled on the world rowing stage. Evan Tsourtsoulas '10 competed in the 2010 World Rowing Championships as a member of the U.S. lightweight pair and won gold at the 2007 World Rowing Under 23 Championships for Greece in the lightweight four. Andrew Bolton '02 won a World Championship in 2008 as a member of the U.S. Lightweight 8 shell, while John Strotbeck '79 rowed in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics for the United States — winning a silver medal in Seoul.

"Rowing's most rewarding aspect for me has been pushing my limits and trying to reach the ultimate version of myself," Gleim said. "For that reason, I would be proud of the race and the work my teammates and I did, even if we had finished last. But having a silver medal as a physical reminder of the progress I've made from a disappointing final race at worlds last year to possibly the best race of my life this year is amazing."