December Review
The December report is the most enjoyable, as it represents kind of a fun review on the year that was, but first there were some highlights that are important to pass on this past month. They are:
- Congratulations to Kasia Gruchalla Wesierski on being inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. There will be more information on this to come but a well deserved recognition.
- The ARA held its AGM in the month of November. Congratulations to Colleen Critchley on being elected as President of the new ARA board. The additional members joining Colleen on the ARA Executive are listed later in this report.
A Holiday Poem (A revival from years past)
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Boathouse
The ergs were a humming to the sounds of Strauss.
The shells were slung on the stretchers with care
In hopes that St. Nick could somehow repair.
Another erg done had my legs feeling like lead
What was I doing, I must be losing my head.
The splits from the session had me jumping for joy
But a soon to be 6K – I was not going to enjoy.
My peers had departed – a long sleep in their beds
While visions of Henley Gold danced in their heads
And Fleming with his whistle and I with my watch
Were off to BP’s for a quick night-cap.
When all of a sudden there rose such a clatter
I grabbed an oar before pursuing the matter
Away to the dock; I ran like a flash
Bad hip and all, I was bound to crash.
When what to my weary eyes should appear
Was Colleen Critchley the ARA’s newly elected leader.
More rapid than eagles; athletes and coaches they came
And she whistled and shouted and called them by name
Ob Hoskins, Oh Peter and Oh Mr. Nokes
Through your clubs we develop good rowing folks
On Alex, On Amelie, On Scott, and Pascal
Passion and dedication in Summer and Fall
And then in a twinkling I heard a knock on the door
The ARA President wanted to say more.
Lakeland and Central were two great camps
And Kati and Ryan, the Riders are CFL Champs (inside message)
As I drew in my hand and was turning around.
The 2026 rowing season; is nearly abound
And despite an on-water season that is a few months away
A whole new set of opportunities and challenges to weigh.
So to all of our athletes; keep up the great work
And listen to your coaches; even though they have quirks
The ARA is aware that expectations are high
With athletes like you who reach for the sky.
To everyone in the ARA all the best this holiday season