Dozens Take Advantage of Learn to Row Day
Morgantown Dominion Post
22 June 2013
Submitted to The Dominion Post
The Monongahela Rowing Association (MRA) thanks all who helped and
participated in this year’s National Learn to Row day, held June
1, at the Boathouse on the banks of the Monongahela, in the
Morgantown Wharf district.
The organization labored to make this a successful day, but in
particular, MRA is grateful to the 14 volunteers who spent the day
attending to the visitors. This group included all current MRA
board members (David Rosen, Mary E. Hannah, Jane Schupp and John
Duarte), the at-large chairwoman for National Learn to Row day
(Barbara Linn), three at-large members (Kelly Duarte, Lynn Clough
and Adam Herrick), two former MRA members (Shelley Johnson and
Dave Lang), the student president of the WVU Men’s Crew Club (Adam
Herrick), and four current members of the WVU women’s rowing crew
(Karen Verwey, Courtney Schrand, Sarah Taylor and Tiffany
Hatcher).
There were 56 people with no rowing experience who registered on
site to get on a rowing shell (boat) and take advantage of the
opportunity. They ranged in ages from 7 years old to well into the
60s. At least one Morgantown City Council member came to check out
the activity and lingered to talk with participants.
There were opportunities to try rowing in competition class 4+ and
8+ sweep shells, and also single sculling shells.
The weather cooperated beautifully, the waters of the Monongahela
were calm and welcoming. There were no power boat disturbances,
thanks to the no-wake zone now in place on the riverfront.
A dozen participants expressed a desire to take on rowing, and the
next Learn To Row class for novices has been scheduled. Additional
classes will be held as people register and instructors are
available. Membership is open to those interested in the sport.
Email info@monrowing .org or go to monrowning .org.
Registration is also open for Youth Rowing Crew. Email
coach@monrowing.org.