The Launch
“Rowing on the Distaff Side”: A Brief History of the National Women’s Rowing Association (Part I)
Elizabeth Manley writes about the history of the National Women's Rowing Association. While still rare, the few existing rowing clubs that welcomed women came together from the East and West Coasts to increase their influence through this newly formed National Women’s Rowing Association (NWRA). While women’s rowing was not yet an Olympic sport, a number of countries were already sending women competitors to international regattas and the NWRA hoped to ensure the U.S. did not get left behind. In addition to promoting women’s competitive rowing at the international level, though, the group sought to “give direction, control, and coaching to the women involved” in member clubs. The group hoped to make sure, according to co-founder and Rowing Director for Mills College Ed Lickiss, that competition for women grew and developed in the U.S. and internationally but also that “the interests of existing women’s rowing groups” would be incorporated as part of that growth.
More Than a Sport: How Rowing Can Transform Communities
Joshua Rafferty writes about increasing involvement in rowing in minority communities, specifically highlighting Trenton, NJ and Seattle, WA. Throughout the article, Rafferty advocates for greater inclusion in a traditionally white-dominated sport, sharing his personal experiences as a Black rower and highlighting the positive impact rowing can have on youth development, academic success, and future opportunities. He discusses limitations related to transportation, scheduling, coaching, finances, awareness, and recruiting.
Purdue Crew Row-a-Thon
Each year, Purdue Crew engages in a fundraising effort known as the “Row-a-Thon.” The Row-a-thon event takes place at the Tippecanoe Mall in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a community service event to support both the Lafayette Urban Ministry’s (LUM) Good Samaritan Fund as well as Purdue Crew. This year, the Row-a-Thon will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 8am-6pm EST. Athletes will row a marathon, 26.2 miles, over the course of three hours on indoor rowing machines.
Team JL 2025 Ambassador Program
Erg Warmup With Philip Doyle
Didn't compete in varsity? It's not too late for you, Masters!
