LaSalle Rowing Club Takes Big Step in Growth
The LaSalle Rowing Club’s competitive program continues to expand and grow, and the club is – for the first time ever – sending crews to compete at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta this weekend, one of North America’s largest regattas.
The LRC is one of 12 Canadian rowing clubs, including ten from Ontario, who are attending the Head of the Schuylkill, which will take place Oct. 28-29 on the Schuylkill River in front of the historic Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Attending the event is a big step for the club, which has seen a rebirth in its competitive programs over the last several years.
“The club has made significant investment in growing the competitive program since we reinstated the program three years ago, after nearly 20 years as a strictly recreational club,” says LRC President and coach, Doug Diet. “I am thrilled to see how far we have come in such a short period of time.”
A total of 22 rowers from LRC’s junior, pararowing and masters programs will join 8000 other rowers from 270 different clubs from across the world at the regatta. Considered to be ‘America’s Birthplace of Rowing’ the 4km course is one of the most challenging courses in the United States due to its sharp and winding curves.
“The LaSalle Rowing Club is gaining name recognition across Ontario and throughout Canada. Now it’s time to do the same thing in the US,” says LRC Vice-President and coach, Gillian Wilson. “Our crews have worked hard and are excited to experience this elite level of racing.”
The LRC will have 12 entries in the regatta, including eight masters boats, two high school boats, and two parent/child entries. The club’s boats and equipment will be travelling from their home in Windsor, ON to Philadelphia in a newly purchased trailer. In recent years, the LRC has become a leader in the Canadian rowing community in pararowing and the club continues to push the boundaries for what a small-sized club can accomplish with dedication and hard work.
Picture is property of LaSalle Rowing Club. With files from Doug Diet and Gillian Wilson.
