Men’s rowing at the University of Virginia is thriving. This summer saw the team’s fourth trip to the Henley Royal Regatta, where the Hoos lined up against storied opponents, such as Eton College and Harvard University. Before racing in England, we raced at a regional championship at Lake Greifensee, Switzerland, where Virginia raced in small boats and also won its event in the 8. In all, twenty-one athletes competed in Europe, and they all agree it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This fall the team has implemented an improved novice recruiting and retention plan. Last spring we won the ACRA Novice 8+ National Championship. This fall we’ve recruited about 30 novices, and we’ve paired each of them with a varsity mentor who helps the novice navigate the transition to college and to the demands of the rowing program. The mentoring program is paying big dividends in terms of team unity. In addition, at the Head of the Charles, two novices raced in our Collegiate 4+ entry, powering the Hoos to a third consecutive gold medal!
2012–13 was also a good year for the VRA budget. Thanks to your generous support, we ended the year with a balanced budget for the first time in recent memory. Virginia Rowing is as financially strong as it has ever been. Combined with the current rowers’ dues and fundraising, your donations make it possible for VRA to offer a world-class rowing experience to our athletes. Our model works because you—our alumni and friends—are the program’s financial foundation. With your continued support, we can balance the budget every year, and we can continue to build YOUR tradition.
Thank you for your continued support of Virginia Men’s Rowing.