Peter Walsh
“One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”
The quote is largely attributed to John F Kennedy but doesn’t appear in newspapers or magazines until after the American Preisdent’s death. Regardless of who is behind the quote, ARA President Peter Walsh is living proof that its meaning continues to live on today. Peter emobides the fact that one’s actions can make make a profound impact on the lives of others and a sporting community across Alberta.
Peter started his rowing career in the 1970’s in St. Catharines Ontario, participating at the Royal Canadian Henley regatta for his hometown club. Upon graduation from high school Peter studied at the the University of Guelph graduating with a Masters Degree in Agricultural Science.
Peter moved to Vermilion Alberta in the 1980’s serving as an agriculture science instructor and later dean of enviormental science at Lakeland College prior to his retirement a few years ago. While employed at Lakeland College, Peter recognized a need; a rowing club for student athletes.
Working with a small group of volunteers, Peter helped establish the Lakeland Rowing program in 1996 and has been coaching Rustler crews ever since. A few years later Peter turned his attention towards the establishment of a boathouse on the shores of Vermilion Provincial Park in Vermilion, Alberta. Working tirelessly with provincial authorities, Peter was the driving force behind the creation of a fully enclosed boathouse that continues to serve the club/college today.
In 2015, Peter stepped down as president of the Lakeland Rowing Club to oversee the affairs at the Alberta Rowing Association. Over the past 10 years as president of the Alberta Rowing Association, Peter has helped maintain an organization, that is now amongst one of the strongest Provincial Sport Organizations in Alberta and perhaps even Canada.
Peter will step down as ARA President this coming week at the ARA AGM, but athletes across the province are indebted for his dedication over the past decade. He leaves an organization in a strong financial position, and the athletes the organization serves are the true benefectors winning medals at international and regional events alike.
While his accomplishments as ARA President are too long for this report, the writer’s favorite story of Peter is one in which he served as Rustler Head Coach. At the 2014 Western Canada University Rowing Championships Peter’s crew was the defending champion in the Novice 8+, but faced stiff competition, from programs across Western Canada. With 250m to go, the Rustler crew was in a dead heat. Peter’s voice verberated across the Glenmore reservoir encouraging his crew to the finish line and with but a few meters remaining in the race Peter sprinted to the docks to get a closer look. Beep – Beep. It was a photo finish and Peter was pacing. From the finish tower the writer yelled out the Ruslters had won. Peter literally jumped for joy, raising a fist in celebration! Peter’s enthusiasm for the sport was just as evident as ARA President.
Peter thanks for your tireless and unwavering support over the past decade. While Peter is stepping down as ARA President, he isn’t going far. He plans to devote more time to helping out at the Lakeland Rowing Club. We all look forward to seeing you on the shore in 2026 Peter!
Canadian University Rowing Championships
The Canadian University Rowing Championships were held in Montreal, Quebec on November 1st and 2nd with athlets from both the University of Calgary and University of Alberta in attendance. On the men’s side Angus Robertson and Albert Harkema from the University of Calgary took home bronze in the men’s pair, the first men’s crew to win a medal first medal of any color for an Alberta university in the past decade. Congratulations!
A number of Alberta athletes were also in attendance representing various schools from across the country. Alberta athletes taking home hardware from the event included the following:
Thomas Boruta – Silver for UVIC in the men’s 8+
Gaby Yarema – Gold for UBC in in the Women’s 1x.
Hayley Buchanan – Silver for Western in the Women’s Lightweight 4+.
A special word of acknowledgment to the University of Calgary Dino’s Rowing Team for qualifying five boats in “A” finals at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. Great job to everyone involved with the U of C program.
Rowing Tidbits
- At the 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta, Carter Cranmer-Smith Andrew Hubbard, Angus Robertson and Albert Harkema took home gold in the Men’s Coxed Four. Meanwhile, Tryne Mamen and Heidi Wallin took home gold in the Youth Women’s 2x.
- RADAR Reminder. A reminder to all ARA athletes that RADAR submissions are to be submitted by November 30, 2024. Completion of RADAR is a requirement of provincial carding and thus athletes who forgo the November RADAR submission will not be eligible for funding under the provincial carding program.
- The ARA AGM date is scheduled for Saturday November 15th. The event starts at 10am and will be held at the Baymont Inn and Suites Conference Centre Anyone who is a member of an Alberta Rowing Club is welcome to attend and have their say on rowing in our province.
Upcoming Events
ARA AGM – Red Deer – November 15, 2025