Dear Alumni and Friends,
2021-22 promises to be the first full racing season for VRA in three years. We have the largest squad and the largest number of novices in the history of the program. As of this writing, we have raced at the Occoquan, at the Head of the Charles, and our big fall trip to Indianapolis for the Bald Eagle Invite. We will head into winter training with enthusiasm and commitment.
The program’s successful return to regular racing was the result of dedicated hard work by Frank, Alan, and Jenny; the help of numerous volunteer coaches; the dedication and commitment of our athletes; and your generous financial support. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were concerned about the impact that losing racing seasons would have on our roster size. As it turns out, 2021 marked a 50% increase in students coming to rowing try-outs, and the return of all our experienced rowers. We expect that our racing roster in the spring will be over 75 athletes.
As we look forward to preparing to defend the unofficial 2021 ACRA Championship in 2022, we need your support. We will travel with a large racing squad this spring and our expenses will be dramatically higher than they have been since 2019. We need your financial support to make sure our program continues to operate on a balanced budget. Please give generously to support VRA.
We look forward to seeing you at the races this spring!
Andrew K. Fletcher
President, Virginia Rowing Association
Frank G. Biller
Director of Rowing, Head Coach
Donation Instructions
Donations can be made online, mailed in via check, or sent via a stock and wire/ACH transfer. If mailing a check, please use the following address:
UVA Fund Gift Processing Services
PO Box 400314
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4314
Please visit our donation page to learn more about ways to donate.
Fall 2021
Our first all Wahoo practice along with the newly picked rookies, their first day of selection phase.
Introducing: Our Newest Hoos
After completion of the two-week selection phase, these are the 2022 Hoos!
First race of the year, first collegiate race for the rookies – always a big deal!
Homecomings Weekend
Varsity Eight in action at the 2021 Charles — they did not have the best performance, but excelled two weeks later in Indianapolis.
Alumni in Boston has become a great tradition — besides this crisp looking eight, we had over 40 alumni joining the party, including two of them getting married at the Charles!
Solid performance by these second year rowers — they guaranteed a spot for 2022!
Arshay Cooper Vists
We had the great honor to host Arshay Cooper, author of “A Most Beautiful Thing” in October. His message was truly inspirational and once more confirmed our firm belief that rowing changes lives for the better, whether you grow up on the West Side of Chicago or in a NoVA suburb, and that our team is open to anyone willing to work hard!
Bald Eagle 2021
A typical morning on the Rivanna that brings back memories to anyone who has ever touched an oar!!
Last trip of the year! In Indianapolis we raced 4 varsity 8s and three novice 8s, in addition to various 4s and a pair. Great win for the V8 and V4 over Michigan, novices dominant amongst ACRA teams, medals all around!