Courtesy: United States Rowing Association United States Rowing Association Glenn Ochal (left) was named the USRowing Male Athlete of the Year.

The dream year continues for Glenn Ochal '08. He left his coaching position at Princeton to chase an Olympic dream. He captured more than the dream; he helped the U.S. men's four win its first medal since 1992, and he was just named the USRowing Male Athlete of the Year.

Ochal and Oksana Masters have been named USRowing's 2012 Male and Female Athletes of the Year, respectively, the organization announced on Wednesday. The athletes and coaches of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic squads selected this year's USRowing Male and Female Athletes of the Year. Masters and Ochal will be honored on November 14 at the second annual Golden Oars Awards Dinner presented by One Equity Partners in New York City.

“It’s an honor to be named Athlete of the Year, especially by your peers,” Ochal said to USRowing. “It’s an honor to know that they think of you that way. It’s an individual award, but I think all the guys worked hard and we all worked together.

“There were some really good performances out there this year, and hopefully we can build upon those performances next year and the next Olympics. Three of the four guys from the four that medaled are coming back, and I’m one of those. I think there is a positive outlook for the future and we’re all excited.”

Ochal, a seven-time national team member, was part of the 2006 Princeton heavyweight eight, which won both the Ivy League and EARC Sprints title, as well as the Royal Henley Regatta.

"Glenn was one of the hardest workers I have ever seen in my years here at Princeton. I can't think of anybody more deserving of an Olympic medal. Everyone at the boathouse is very proud of Glenn, and all that he has achieved."