NRC 2018
Burnaby Lake, and its idyllic surroundings were host to 23 Alberta athletes this past weekend for the 2018 National Rowing Championships. The regatta is unique to the Canadian rowing circuit, in that Olympic and world champions (Mahe Drysdale from New Zealand, in the Men’s 1x and Hillary Janssens and Caleigh Filmer in the women’s 2-) line up and race head to head against junior, U23 and senior athletes across the country.
Adding to the intrigue of the event, athletes race exclusively in singles and pairs to formulate a true national ranking. The environment is both intimidating and awe-inspiring as everyone tries to put their own personal stamp on the event, and validate their progress over the course of the past 12 months. If the regatta serves as a snapshot of a rowing program, it can be stated that Alberta rowing is in a good health with Alberta athletes winning four medals at this year’s event.
Jeremy Hall won gold in the PR1/PR2 single while Nicole Hare won Silver in the Senior Women’s Pair with Hillary Janssens from British-Columbia. Curtis Ames won silver in the U23 Men’s Pair with Ryan Clegg from Ontario and Andrew Hubbard took home bronze in the Junior Men’s single. In addition to Alberta’s four medals an additional four Alberta athletes finished in the top ten of their respective events. They are:
Kasia Gruchalla Wesierski – 4h place – Senior Women’s Pair
Jessica Sevick– 9th place – Senior Women’s Pair
Elana Taub – 10th place – Senior Light Women’s 1x
Colleen Nesbitt – 10th place- Senior Women’s Pair.
Great job to all Alberta Athletes!
WESTERN CANADA UNIVERSITY ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
For only the second time since its inception the 2018 Western Canada University Rowing Championships were held in Alberta with Leduc playing host to this year’s event. Despite the near freezing conditions, the Leduc boat club and the University of Calgary rowing club demonstrated that we here in Alberta have the ability to host a world class rowing event.
Alberta was well represented at this event with athletes from Lakeland College, the University of Alberta and University of Calgary in attendance. The majority of the events were won by either UBC or UVIC, but the University of Calgary Dino’s did take home three gold medals winning the Novice Men’s and Women’s 8+ and as well the Women’s Varsity four. Congratulations to all of our Alberta schools.
Canadian University Rowing Championships:
The University of Alberta and University of Calgary were both represented at the 2018 Canadian University Rowing Championships in St. Catharines, Ontario. The event itself features the best university rowers from across the country vying for the title of national champion in 6 separate events for men and women (Open 1x, Lightweight 1x, Lightweight 2x, Lightweight 4+, Open Pair, Open Eight). While neither school returned home with any hardware this year, both schools should be pleased with their performances.
Alberta Athletes who competed in an “A” Final were:
Hannah Anderson and Courtney Kruschel – University of Calgary- Senior Women’s Pair – 4th place overall.
Jennifer Hidber, Emily Harris, Stephanie Tsai, Asha Bansal and Anna Chaykovski – University of Calgary.- Senior Lightweight Women’s Coxed four – 6th place overall
Hannah Anderson, Rachel Klassen, Isa Van Rijswijk, Courtney Krushchel, Iris Forkink, Natalie McMurray, Lauren Solecki, Libby Wheeler, Madison Pilling – University of Calgary – Senior Women’s 8+ – 4th place overall
COACHING EDUCATION
For the first time in 15+ years the 2019 Rowing Canada Coaches Conference will be held in Calgary, Alberta. Participants attending the event can hear from leading experts in the fields of rowing and sport, and represents a great opportunity to meet with your fellow peers from across the country. Those who are interested in attending are encouraged to visit www.rowingcanada.org for registration details.
Rowing Tidbits
- RADAR Reminder. A reminder to all ARA athletes that RADAR submissions are due November 30th. The ARA encourages all athletes to complete the battery of tests that are required as part of RADAR and post their scores on the on-line database.
- The 2017 Alberta Rowing Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being held this upcoming Saturday (November 17th) in Red Deer, Alberta. The meeting starts at 9:00am with a general discussion on the year that was. The formal part of the AGM begins at 1:00pm. The event is being held at the Sheraton Hotel located at 3310 50thAvenue in Red Deer Alberta. For those interested in sitting on the ARA Board there are five positions up for election in 2017. They are Treasurer, Secretary, Director at Large and VP Development The event is open to all.
- Alberta Rowing congratulates Al Morrow on his recent retirement from the sport of rowing. Al is Canada’s most decorated coach in the sport of rowing, and his impacts to the sport can be felt nation-wide. Al we wish you all the best in retirement.
Upcoming Events:
- ARA AGM November 17th – Red Deer Alberta
- RADAR Submissions Due November 30th