RFH Alumni, Olympian Captivates The Crowd

A packed room of families filled Bingham Hall this week to hear from one of our own, as Charlie Volker spoke brilliantly about his life and career. 

Many residents know Charlie Volker from his many accomplishments including stellar track and football careers at RFH, being a 2-sport superstar at Princeton University, his time in the NFL and his Olympic accomplishments in Sochi. 

Thanks to Dorothy Whitehouse and her coordination, Charlie Volker was on-hand to enlighten the audience about his journey through a well-delivered and heartfelt presentation.  The crowd left educated and inspired after Volker shared his wonderful remarks. 

Volker refused to brag, though he certainly could have.  Instead, he choose to discuss his failures.  More importantly, how he learned and grew stronger from each of those failures.  He highlighted mistakes he made along his path and how they became a foundation for his later successes. 

During the presentation, his brilliance, perseverance and amazing character were on full display. Resonating with the younger attendees, his advice to be around good people, develop a strong mental health mindset and stay positive certainly hit home.  His drive towards always doing his best and always doing the right thing was also quite evident.  

Charlie was kind enough to entertain all the questions that our young athletes and their parents asked, to which there were many great ones.  They asked him about representing Team USA on the World’s biggest stage, which he replied “It was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had”.   When asked about his most influential coach, Volker quickly praised Rob Orrok, from RFHHS, noting that “Without Orrok, I would not have accomplished any of the things that I have”, a true testament to one of the great educators.  Charlie also took time to applaud his parents and his family for their unending support on and off the field (and on and off the ice track). 

It was an unforgettable evening and everyone appreciated Charlie’s presentation.  As a community, we wish Charlie Volker all the support in the world as he begins preparation for his next Olympics.  He will undoubtedly have all of the RFH community behind him as he pushes that bobsled towards a gold medal.