The Whitemarsh Wake A Publication of the Whitemarsh Boat Club Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011

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1 THE FALL, 2011 MASTERS HEAD RACE SEASON IS HERE As the month of August winds down, and with it the Masters Summer Sprint Race season, WC rowers turn their attention and energy to the Fall Head Races. Head races are longer races, generally about three miles in length, depending on the course. They are usually conducted in the Fall in North America, and as the season changes from Summer to Fall, so should a Masters racer s training regimen (more on that later). This year, WC plans to compete in four head races, four of which will be conducted on the Schuylkill River Head Race Course (see the map on the next page): The King s Head Regatta (September 25); the Navy Day Regatta (October 8); the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (October 29-30); and the Hutchinson Cup Regatta (November 12). Listed below is some brief information and background on each regatta. King s Head Regatta (September 25) This regatta, which has a pleasant, local flavor to it, is conducted upriver from WC on the Schuylkill River at the site of the Upper Merion oat Club in ridgeport, PA (across the river from Norristown). It features a three-mile course over a mostly straight and open expanse of river. As with WC s stretch of the Schuylkill River, the hills adjacent to the course produce a good deal of flat water. The close proximity to the Hines Rowing Center, the convenience of the site in terms of access and parking, and the local flavor make this a favorite for WC members and their families and friends marks the 25th Kings head Regatta, a celebratory milestone for the organizers. The Whitemarsh Wake A Publication of the Whitemarsh oat Club Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Navy Day Regatta (October 8) This race, which celebrates the birth of the U.S. Navy, began in 1986, takes place on the Schuylkill River Head Race Course (Figure 1). It was originally a sprint race, but later grew into a 2.5 mile head race, reportedly with the idea that it would serve as a warm up race for the Head of the Charles and Head of the Schuylkill regattas later in October of each year. For the 2010 event, there were several solid performances by WC Masters rowers. Gavin Krumenacker placed third in the Mens Masters 1x (27-42) with a time of 18:17. Third place finishes were also achieved by John Cooleen (17:19) in the Mens Masters 1x (43-54) and Lauren Lehane (20:54) in the Womens Masters 1x (27-42). IN THIS ISSUE: Masters Head Race Season...1 WC News & Commentary. 4 Avoiding Upper Schuylkill Rock Hazards.. 11 Seat Racing Saturday.17 Profile of a Rower: Matt Ryan..19 Tips for Safe Rowing Events Coverage...25 From the Photo Archives Welcome New Members 32

2 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 2 Fall Head Race Season (Continued) Head of the Schuylkill (October 29-30) The Thomas Eakins Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, known as Philadelphia s Fall Rowing Classic, will have its 41st installment at this year s event. Over 190 Clubs, Colleges and High School programs, including 27 Masters rowers from Whitemarsh oat Club, participated in the 2010 regatta under mostly sunny and cool (but sometimes very windy) conditions on the Lower Schuylkill course. Winning a First Place gold medal in the Mixed Masters 2x (30-39) race were Craig DiAngelo and Lauren A C A FIGURE 1: Schuylkill River Head Race Course The starting line for 2.5 mile course is between the Twin ridges and the Strawberry Mansion ridge, upriver from the Canoe Club (where WC launches its boats). The finish line is downriver, immediately above oathouse Row. The pleasant autumn temperatures, and the beautiful panorama of the Lower Schuylkill with its colorful riverbank foliage, make this a favorite head race course for crews from all over the U.S. Map reproduced with the permission of Clete Graham of the Schuylkill Navy A Lehane in a time of 17:45 over the 2.5 mile course. Lauren had another fine race in the Womens Masters 1x (30-39), taking Second Place in 20:02. A highly competitive Mens Masters 1x (40-49) race, with 17 quality entrants, saw John Cooleen place 5th in 17:06 and Gavin Krumenacker 7th in 17:30. The quality and depth of the competition was quite impressive at all levels, and included former Olympians and national team members.

3 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 3 Fall Head Race Season (Continued) Hutchinson Cup Regatta (November 12) The 2011 Tom C. Hutchinson III Regatta is the seventh annual race for this event, which is in support of hospice and palliative care, features Masters and high school races. It also takes place on the 2.5 mile Lower Schuylkill Head Race course. WC head Coach Susan Hermann and Assistant Coach Matt Ryan began head race practice workouts for the club in mid-august, with the aim of preparing racers for the longer, endurance-oriented competitions. In addition, those who want additional, supplemental workouts should check the helpful article published by WC did not compete as a team in the 2010 regatta, Matt Ryan on page 7 of the Fall, 2010 Whitemarsh so this will be a new experience for many in the club. A Wake. C 2011 WC MASTERS HEAD RACE REGATTAS Sunday, September 25 King s Head Regatta Upper Merion oat Club, ridgeport, PA Saturday, October 8 Navy Day Regatta Kelly Drive, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA A Saturday/Sunday, October Head of the Schuylkill Regatta Kelly Drive, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Saturday, November 12 Hutchinson Cup Regatta Kelly Drive, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia A

4 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 WC News & Commentary Page 4 HURRICANE IRENE HITS THE HINES ROWING CENTER The massive Hurricane Irene, although downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it arrived at our latitude, dumped substantial amounts of rain into the Schuylkill River watershed on August 27-28, 2011, resulting in substantial flooding of the HRC campus. Although the total rainfall in our region was A appreciably less than that during the last major flooding (September 30 and October 1, 2010; See the article in the Winter, 2010 Whitemarsh Wake), the impact on the Upper Schuylkill River was much more pronounced. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the river crested at a height (gage) of ft, representing a surge of almost 12 feet above the year-round average of ft. The river flow rate (discharge) reached 84,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) over 80 times that on the day before the storm arrived. The river surge was almost two feet higher than that of last fall s storm, resulting in the floodwaters entering both boathouses on the campus. Fortunately, there was no substantial damage to the boats and equipment of the masters, scholastic and collegiate programs on our campus, due in no small part to the extensive preparations carried out the day prior to Irene s arrival. The return dock experienced substantial damage, requiring almost tens days to repair and resituate it. Why was the impact of Irene more extensive that the storm of 2010, despite the fact the rainfall amounts for the former were less? The answer lies in the precipitation statistics for the periods leading up to each storm. For the four weeks prior to the 2010 storm, our area had 1.1 of rainfall, while that for the same period prior to Irene was With the ground so extensively saturated in August, 2011, the precipitation could not be absorbed, and the runoff into the river was much greater. As always, the volunteer efforts of many members of the scholastic, collegiate and masters programs on the campus, under the direction of HRC Operations Director ob Smith, were essential to the rapid cleanup and repair of the flood damage, with many programs resuming practices approximately 72 hrs after the storm passed through our region. It was another, sobering reminder of how powerful and potentially devastating a flooded river can be! FIGURE 1 (Left): River height (gage) at the Norristown Station of the National Water Information System (NWIS) for the five-day period August 26-30, Figure 2 (Right): River Flow Rate (discharge) for the same period. (Data supplied by the NWIS, US Geological Survey). C

5 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 5 WC News & Commentary (Continued) A CLOCKWISE FROM AOVE LEFT: The HRC Red uilding, photographed from the opposite side of the river, at the time of river crest (~ 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 28). The Red uilding as viewed from East Elm Street, Conshohocken (Sunday, 3:05 PM). The flooded intersection of Washington and Cherry Streets (Sunday, 3:15 PM). The flooded Spring Mill Train Station (Sunday, ~ 9:00 AM). Photographs supplied by WC members Stuart Chase, Isabelle Greenberg & Rick Schwarz C

6 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 6 WC News & Commentary (Continued) A CLOCKWISE FROM AOVE LEFT: The HRC parking lot, filled with mud and river silt (2:20 PM on Monday, August 29). The area between the boathouses and the river (Monday, 2:30 PM). The interior of the Red uilding (Monday, ~10:00 AM). The Return Dock ramp, impaled by its vertical support pole (Monday, 2:45 PM). The river surge was so powerful that it lifted the ramp and dropped it on the pole! Photographs supplied by WC members Stuart Chase & Rick Schwarz C

7 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 7 WC News & Commentary (Continued) TUESDAY TnT ROWS: WC Adds Even More Coaching To the Weekly Calendar y onnie Mueller Financial Secretary and Membership Committee Chair, Whitemarsh oat Club As everyone has hopefully noticed by now, WC has added an additional COACHED row to our A weekly calendar, bringing us up to six coached sessions each week. We re pretty certain that this gives our members more access to Masters coaching than any club in the area, and we are hopeful that this addition will prove to be worthwhile investment of club resources as a result of members regular attendance. A few thoughts to inspire all members to come out on Tuesday nights: TnT: What s in a name? We re now calling the Tuesday night coached row TnT, an abbreviation for Technique and Transition. After some debate, we settled on this moniker to clearly communicate the session s focus on steady state, technique-focused practices. Lots of drills; lots of subtle adjustments to form, body position and proper blade work; etc. For those In Transition, this is your not to be missed session. For our members that are in a transition of any kind, this is the row for you, and we are hoping that you will take full advantage by prioritizing attendance at this row above others during your initial year. In Transition rowers might include recent Learn to Row graduates, rowers who are just returning to the sport after many years away, members who have taken a hiatus due to work/family commitments or injury, rowers just learning to sweep/scull, etc. While all members are welcome at all non-racing rows, regular attendance at this Tuesday row will help you to transition more smoothly into the other Club Rows, so we re hoping to see lots of faces that we know will benefit the most at these sessions. If you have been reluctant, for any reason, to get onto the water, do not fear! We have created this row specifically to give you a safe place to do so. Focusing on Technique helps to win races. For those rowers who are not in transition of any kind and/or are regular racers, etc, we hope that you will equally take advantage of the Tuesday TnT sessions. Anyone who attends Race Rows regularly knows that very little time is spent during these practices on drills, technique adjustments, etc. If you are in need of technique feedback, it s possible that you could miss the opportunity to make subtle adjustments if you miss these Tuesday TnT s. Smaller groups, different perspectives. In our first few weeks of coached TnT s, attendance has been relatively light. The advantage, of course, of fewer rowers at any row is that it allows the coach to direct more attention on each rower. So, if it s attention you want, attention you will get! Also, our Tuesday coached sessions are, for the moment, being coached by Joe Sullivan, Mark Valenti, and Steve Whalen. All three of these member-coaches are incredible resources of coaching knowledge and can offer unique and fresh perspectives to supplement the insight that Coaches Matt Ryan and Susan Hermann provide on a regular basis. So, Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM See you there! ************************** WC JUNIORS: The Average Age of Membership Has Just Dropped Significantly! y onnie Mueller As the season gets underway, WC rowers will note that our membership has just become significantly more youthful! C uilding upon the foundation of our summer Junior memberships and a small program last fall, WC has made the decision to enter the Junior rowing world in

8 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 8 WC News & Commentary (Continued) a committed and focused way. Starting this week, three tiers of Junior rowers will be seen around the boathouse on a regular basis. These students will include: Competitive, Racing Juniors: These high school students will practice 5 times per week and will compete in the most of the same races as our Masters. In addition, a smaller set of these Juniors will join the Mount s Lightweight 8+ in representing WC at the Head of the Charles. A Training, Non-Racing Juniors: These high school students will practice 3 times per week in order to keep up their rowing abilities while they concentrate on other fall sports or responsibilities. One of their practices will include co-mingling with our Tuesday TnT coached rows. Recreational, Pre-High School Juniors: On a selected basis, junior high students who participated as WC Junior Members will join in with our Tuesdays TnT rows. Implications for WC Masters As Masters rowers, it is important for us to recognize that WC s decision to support Junior Membership is a strategic choice that we believe will benefit the club over the long-term. In addition to bringing an additional source of revenue from our fleet during hours that membership does not currently use boats on a regular basis, Junior Membership provides an ongoing source of summer Junior and Collegiate Members and we hope post-graduation young Masters. Also, support of a competitive Juniors program is another step in building WC into a full-service, vibrant community rowing organization. Given our decision, we will support Junior Members rowing and racing as we would that of any other members. To that end, it is important for all members to be mindful of the Juniors practice schedule (posted on the Club Calendar), remembering our club policy of having all club-owned boats in (or back into) the house 30 minutes prior to the start of a scheduled Juniors practice, as with any other Row. Equally, we hope all WC Masters will take the time to get to know our Junior Members, cheer them on at races, and encourage their development as young rowers. We will have much to be proud of in the coming months to have these young men and women represent our club. Let s make them feel welcome and a part of our WC community! WC JUNIORS SCHEDULE: Fall, 2011 (Effective September 7th - November 21st, 2011) Mon, Thu & Fri at 3:30 PM - Junior Race Practice Sat at 8 AM - Junior Race Practice Wed at 3:30 PM - Junior Open Practice Sun at 9:30 AM - Junior Open Practice C WC Masters Members are reminded that, when rowing with club equipment off Club Row, all boats and other gear should be back in the house 30 minutes prior to the start of a Juniors Practice.

9 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 9 WC News & Commentary (Continued) Club Row & Race Practice Schedule (Effective through Saturday, November 5th, 2011) Tuesday, 6:00 PM: Coached Technique/Transition Club Row Wednesday, 5:45 AM: Coached Club Row (Sculling Only) Wednesday, 6:00 PM: Coached A Club Row Thursday, 6:00 PM: Coached Race Practice Saturday, 6:00 AM: Coached Race Practice Saturday, 8:00 AM: Non-Coached Club Row Sunday, 8:00 AM: Coached Club Row All sessions have opportunities for both sweep rowing and sculling, except for the Coached Club Row on Wednesday at 5:45 AM, which is sculling only. During the Coached Race Practices, priority for boat seating is given to those who have signed up to compete in competitions under WC colors, and as assigned by the WC Head Coach. At all sessions, priority for boat seating is given to those who have signed up for the session, in advance, via the WC "Members Only" web site. IT S SEPTEMER..AND THE SCHOOLS ARE ACK ON THE WATER! Many scholastic and collegiate programs are resuming on-water practices this month. WC members are reminded about the increased occupancy of the HRC campus, and of occasional congestion at the docks and on the water. C As always, extending courtesy and consideration to those with whom we share the river is our highest priority.

10 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 10 WC News & Commentary (Continued) A C

11 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 As officers of Whitemarsh oat Club, both of us consider it our duty to help maintain a safe rowing A environment on our part of the river. Accordingly, we set out to deploy highly visible warning buoys on the four major rock hazards on the eight-mile, out-and-back course that WC rowers traverse. Page 11 Avoiding Upper Schuylkill Rock Hazards y Rick Schwarz & Jack Voss The Upper Schuylkill River, a four-mile stretch from the Matson Ford ridge in Conshohocken to Flat Rock Dam near Gladwyne, is a scenic, mostly calm and easily navigable section of river for both sweep and sculling boats. However, a few well-known river hazards (rock formations) pose a substantial risk of major hull damage and serious injury to rowers. Vice President, Whitemarsh oat Club Captain, Whitemarsh oat Club This article is intended to be a companion piece to the one published in the Fall, 2010 Whitemarsh Wake entitled, The Rules of the River. Some of the landmarks and river sections we mention are more thoroughly described therein; accordingly, a brief review of it, prior to reading this article, will probably be helpful. 1 ut first, a brief description of the buoys deployed. The uoys FIGURE 1: Can uoy. They are marked with bright color warning symbols and contain the PA F&C Permit Number (1209). and maintain these buoys on the river. The Four Major Rock Hazards In what follows, we will identify and describe these four major rock hazards, emphasizing three important aspects for each: We decided that we needed buoys that would be, (1) easily visible, (2) durable and permanent and (3) fully compliant with regulations established by the Pennsylvania Fish and oat Commission (PA F&C). They also needed to be compatible with the U.S. Coast Guard Aids To Navigation System. 2 Therefore, after some research and consultation with the PA F&C, we settled on what are called can buoys (see Figure 1). These are constructed of a highly durable, environmentally-friendly plastic substance, and are 12 wide and 51 tall. A 70-lb ballast weight beneath the buoy allows it to present a 38 high profile above the water, and keeps it vertical. They are anchored to the river bottom with weights. They were obtained from the Rolyan uoys Inc., Cedarburg, WI. WC also applied for and was granted a permanent permit from the PA F&C (Permit No. 1209) to deploy Name and location (We employ the common usage names ). Description. How to anticipate & avoid it (Note: This information is primarily for bow persons of sculling boats; however, novice coxswains may find it helpful, too). The rock hazards are described in the order that one would encounter them during the course of a standard, out-and-back row on our section of the river. The numbers below correspond to the locations on the map in Figure 2 (next page). In addition, we identify the hazards, and landmarks associated with them, by the side of the river where they are located: C East side of river: Same side of river as the Hines Rowing Center (HRC) West side of river: Opposite side

12 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 12 A C FIGURE 2: The locations of the four major rock hazards on the Upper Schuylkill River. (1) Stony Point; (2) The Rocks Near The Island; (3) The Shoal Near The Water Tower; and (4) The Double Rocks Near The end (See text for details).

13 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page Stony Point Location: West bank of the river, ~ 1.0 mi downriver from the HRC docks. Description: A rather massive, protruding, multiple rock formation (in fact, an extensive rock field) that extends ~ 800 ft upriver from the well-known and prominent island (See Figure 4). Much of it is cov- Description: A prominent formation of stone jutting out from the west riverbank, mostly lacking vegetation (See Figure 3). Anticipating & Avoiding It: As you make the turn around the major bend in the river when heading downriver, make sure your boat is no more than onequarter to one-third of the river width from the west riverbank. You will see Hazard No. 4, the Double Rocks Near the end on your port side (Figure A 8). After strokes (depending on the type of boat), you will see the buoy, which is located ~ 100 ft upriver from the hazard. Make sure that the buoy is on your starboard side, and you will be fine. FIGURE 4: THE ROCKS NEAR THE ISLAND - Located close to the west side of the river, ~ 1.5 mi downriver from the HRC docks. ered, unless the water level is low. Anticipating & Avoiding It: After passing Stony Point, watch for the cell tower on your starboard side (see Figure 5), and the buoy will be strokes away, depending on the type of boat. Position your boat so that it is ~ one-third of the river width from the west riverbank. The buoy is ~ 60 ft upriver from the FIGURE 3: STONY POINT - Located on west side of the river, ~ 1.0 mi downriver from HRC docks. 2. The Rocks Near The Island Location: etween the center and the west bank of the river, ~ 1.5 mi downriver from the HRC docks. C FIGURE 5: THE CELL TOWER - Located on the west side of the river, downriver from STONY POINT, it is a useful landmark for anticipating THE ROCKS NEAR THE ISLAND.

14 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 14 edge of the field. Keep it well on your starboard side. 3. The Shoal Near the Water Tower Location: Near the east bank of the river, ~ 2.0 mi downriver from the HRC docks. Description: A long (~ 150 ft), mostly submerged stone, gravel and silt formation that lies ~ ft off the east riverbank (See Figure 6). This formation is especially hazardous in that it is just below the water A FIGURE 7: The WATER TOWER - Located immediately downriver from the SHOAL, it provides an easily-spotted cue that you are near the hazard. (See Figure 8). FIGURE 6: THE SHOAL NEAR THE WATER TOWER - Located near the east side of the river, ~ 2.0 mi downriver from the HRC docks. surface a most of the year, making it hard to detect. This hazard REALLY needs a warning buoy! Anticipating & Avoiding It: When returning upriver, just after passing Stony Point on your port side, position your boat so that it is no more than one-third of the river width from the east riverbank. Check your bow point carefully for the buoy, making sure that it is 2-3 oar lengths off the starboard side of the boat. Anticipating & Avoiding It: Since the shoal is located just upriver from the prominent water tower that is located on the same side of the river (see Figure 7), spotting the water tower on your starboard side provides an excellent cue that you are nearing the shoal. Check your bow point carefully for the buoy, making sure that it is at least 2-3 oar lengths off the starboard side of the boat. 4. The Double Rocks Near The end Location: Near the east bank of the river, ~ 0.8 mi downriver from the HRC docks, just downriver from The end. Description: A rock field ~ 60 ft long, with two larger, protruding rocks that are marked with white poles FIGURE 8: The DOULE ROCKS NEAR THE C END - Located near the east side of the river, ~ 0.8 mi downriver from the HRC docks.

15 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 15 Some Important Points In summary, we offer the following considerations that we hope are helpful: In waterway terminology, buoys are defined as aids to navigation. They are neither a substitute for in-depth knowledge of the river geography, hazards and accompanying landmarks, nor can they be considered to be fail-safe warnings. ow persons and coxswains must possess solid knowledge of the location of the river hazards, and use the buoys as aids to avoid them. As mentioned above, you will safely avoid all four hazards on the river if you point your boat so that the buoy is ~ 2-3 oar lengths (~15-25 ft) off your starboard side. e careful to follow this guideline unless specifically directed otherwise by a coach. If you find yourself in a situation where you are closer to one of the buoys than the guideline mentioned above, or if the buoy appears on your port side, you may be in danger of colliding with the rock hazard. Immediately stop rowing and hold water! Check your bow, look for boats around you, and take cautious measures to row clear of the hazard. Following these guidelines, as well as increasing your awareness of the rock hazards and the buoys marking them, will result in a safer and more stress-free rowing environment for everyone. REFERENCES A 1 Schwarz, R. The Rules of the River. Whitemarsh Wake, C Fall 2010, pp (Available online at: downloads u110622_0938_062111_ WAKE_RULES_ OF_THE_RIVER.pdf. 2 United States Coast Guard. Aids To Navigation System. 33 Code of Federal Regulations 62. Updated June 2, More Coverage on Hurricane Irene To no one s surprise, Hurricane Irene also wreaked havoc for our downriver friends at oathouse Row. A AT LEFT: A view from the second floor of one of the clubs on oathouse A Row shows the extent of flooding. NEXT PAGE (TOP): The Canoe Club (the site where WC boats are launched for Lower Schuylkill races) is completely flooded. The floodwaters went over Kelly Drive in some locations. Photographs courtesy of row2k.com NEXT PAGE (OTTOM): The undersides of the grandstand (left) and the finish line tower (right) provide a reference point for the extent of the river surge.

16 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 16 A C A A

17 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Seat-Racing Saturday June 25, 2011 Hines Rowing Center Page 17 On Saturday morning, June 25th, approximately thirty WC rowers, coxswains and coaches participated in a Seat Racing training session. Seat racing is a procedure in which rowers are switched between two boats of the same class (for example, two fours, eights or quads) in an attempt to estimate which combination of rowers is better capable of producing faster times. The races are conducted over a fixed distance or duration, with coxswains in sweep boats and stroke seat members in sculling boats making every attempt to row at a fast but constant rating (strokes per minute). Although helpful to coaches and rowers in terms of gauging individual performance, seat racing is not an exact science by any means. Factors such as loss of endurance and performance among fellow crew members later during the session can play a role. However, all agree that, no matter what the results, the high-intensity, repeat nature of seat racing provides an excellent training opportunity and a chance to test oneself, along with other crew members, under simulated racing conditions. That is a win-win situation for all involved! Photographs courtesy of Steven Koff. Liz radley (stroke seat), Gina Ricci, Jane Voss and eth Reilly execute a fast start in the Womens Quad.

18 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 18 AOVE: Dale Parenti at the catch in a Single, and Ed McIlvaine mid-stroke in the Mens Four. ELOW: Steve McChesney (stroke seat), Chris Perry, ill Scher and Rick Schwarz pull hard in the Mens Four.

19 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 PROFILE OF A ROWER: Matt Ryan Page 19 This month s interview is with WC s respected and popular Assistant Coach, Matt Ryan. Matt, how and when did you get started in the sport of rowing? I started rowing in 2003 at LaSalle University. The cross country Team had won the Atlantic 10 title the year prior to my freshman year at LaSalle and at the time was nationally ranked, so I had to find an alternative sport to the one I was used to in high school. Crew fit the bill pretty well, as it offered the same aerobic and anaerobic training as did Cross Country (5 km races in the Fall) and Spring Track (1,600 m). How did you learn about Whitemarsh oat Club? After college, I really wanted to get back into the sport of rowing, and not be limited to the six corporate challenge practices I was engaged in through work. I got my foot in the door at Whitemarsh after Travis Schilling, who was then coach of the Radnor Girls program, interviewed me for an Assistant coach position at Radnor. I got the call to come to the campus and start coaching with him. A couple of month into that stint, I got the itch to start rowing again, and joined the Whitemarsh Masters program. Have you participated in other sports? Growing up, I played the essential American sports of baseball and basketball. Later, in high school, my participation in cross country, track and basketball gave me a good cardiovascular base for rowing. I also played soccer during my semester abroad in Rome. I'd say I'm just a competitive person looking to challenge anyone to anything. I did a duathon in Sea Isle this past May and am up for competing in anything from a 5K to a 10-miler with friends. Matt Ryan Do you have any specific rowing goals or specific competitive aspirations, particularly for this year? Winning! Whatever race I am slotted for, my goal is to win. This will probably be the first year I attempt to race in a single. I've always said I'd never row in a single because it would take the team aspect out of crew, but so far it has still been fun. You can still practice against other boats, and it just individualizes the sport a bit more. I've told a few others that I've cashed in my chips for 2,000 m races. I'll leave those to the college

20 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 20 and high school kids (those not working full time). I'm going to soak in these 1,000 m masters races for as long as I can! How do you like your role as WC Assistant Coach? Tell us about the "challenges" of coaching masters rowers. I always tell rowers that you have to be an "adaptive" rower. In the sport of crew there are so many variables with equipment (for example, foot stretcher length, shoes that might be too big, oarlocks that could be too high), the weather might be rough and rainy -ut you still have to persevere. No day on the water will ever be perfect, which makes it so tough. New rowers have to acknowledge this. What type of job/profession do you have? I got my start working at SEI Investments in Oaks, supporting London hours and starting my work day at 4 AM. While I was there, I rowed for them in the Dad Vail Corporate Cup Challenge, stroking the Intermediate 8+ to two gold medals. I then transitioned to work for a small financial technology company in ala Cynwyd where I work now. I do Quality Assurance work testing the software and documenting the procedures for our clients. We sell our product to several trust companies and smaller private investment firms. Our top sales guy actually won the Dad Vail 8+ two years in a row, rowing for Temple in the late 80's. In addition, WC always has a lot of novices coming through the club, so there is no shortage of people willing to learn. There is a constant challenge to teach the new batch the fundamentals. As for those that have been around awhile, I will say that a great racer and great rowing comes down to conditioning. In order to take it to the next level you have to be rowing seven days a week. As Mike McKenna said in an earlier Whitemarsh Wake article, masters racing is a very, very competitive circuit. Do you have a favorite, amusing, rowingrelated story to tell? During my Junior year at LaSalle, our Mens Heavy 4+ teamed up with our Mens Light 4+ to race in a 8+ in the Dad Vail Regatta. We ended up coming in last in 2005 and handing our Jerseys to University of Michigan rowers, where the average guy seemed like a basketball player weighing over 200 lbs and over 6'6'' tall! If you wish, can you tell us other things about you as a person? I grew up in Conshohocken, so I am used to the area. My parents still live there. I love all the great places to eat and hang out at night. Prior to coaching at WC, I coached in a local Summer Youth asketball League. This year, instead of coaching, I opted to sponsor a team in the name of Whitemarsh oat Club. I just started playing golf more, and enjoy going to concerts and traveling internationally. In addition, I just got married to my wife, Kellie (Nadeau) Ryan, this past January. We both met rowing at LaSalle University. We recently bought a place in nearby Roxborough/Manayunk. For our honeymoon we went to Thailand, which was a blast! We are also slated to appear on the game show network new rendition of the Newlywed Game, although we don't know when it's going to air. During my senior year, we added a few good freshman to the roster and filled out our 8+ a little more. I was the smallest guy and ended up stroking the boat. At the Dad Vail Regatta in 2006, we raced four times in two days and made it to the Petit Final for the Men Heavy 8+. It was such a great accomplishment, and the furthest a LaSalle Men's 8+ had made it in a while. What do you like best about WC? The people at WC are great! Everyone is so friendly and so involved in making WC successful. A personal goal for me involving WC is to get some more post-collegiate rowers to row for the club.

21 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 21 A CLOCKWISE FROM AOVE: WC Assistant Coach Matt Ryan with Mens Double Partner Mike Wood, when they won a gold medal in the Mens Open 2x at the 2009 King s Head Regatta; With his gold medal from the 2008 Dad Vail Regatta Corporate Challenge (CC); And with the bronze medal he won at the 2011 Dad Vail Regatta CC. C

22 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 22 Tips for Safe Rowing: owing A Sculling oat y Lauren Lehane WC Sculling Instructor; Assistant Coach, Germantown Academy Crew Team EDITOR S NOTE: WC Member Lauren Lehane has extensive experience as a sculler and coach, having instructed sculling at the scholastic and masters levels. Here, she provides some concise and practical tips on the key responsibilities of a bowperson in a sculling boat. A 1. Safety First! Your primary responsibility as a bowperson is to steer the boat safely. Your most important job is to keep your crew and your equipment safe! Calling pieces, motivating your crew and working on technique are all great, but until you are proficient at steering, these things can wait. Steering a good and safe course has to come above everything else, even if this means that you are not pulling as hard as you can, at least until you get the hang of steering and rowing at full pressure. 2. Know the river. There are certain things that are always a hazard, and you should know about these before you ever attempt to bow. There will always be debris and unexpected hazards that pop up, especially when the water gets lower, but you must know about the permanent hazards. 3. Signing Out & In. Sign out before you get on the water! As the bowperson, you are responsible for this. Signing out is for your own safety since no one can come help you if they do not know you are gone! On the same note, make sure to sign back in. Signing out and back in after your row does not do anyone any good! 4. Dividing The River Into Thirds. Mentally divide the river into thirds: One third is for upriver traffic, the middle third should be left open, and the other third is for downriver traffic. 5. Checking Your Point. Whenever possible, check your point just after the catch, as you start the drive. You will offset the boat less if you look when the blades are in the water, and you will get a better look from the catch. 6. Alternate Your Point Checking. Always alternate over which shoulder you check your point. Most bowpersons are more comfortable with one side over the other, but you cannot clearly see everything you need to see if you only look over one shoulder. This would be like not checking your blind spots while driving a car. 7. Light oat Traffic. Checking your point with quick looks to the side and with your peripheral vision is okay, especially when there is not much boat traffic or if you are in a race on a straight course. However, you still have to turn all the way around from time to time and see what is ahead of you. Even if you are on a stretch of river with no rocks or hazards, there could still be debris in front of you, or another boat that you did not realize was on the water. 8. Heavy oat Traffic. When bowing in a hightraffic situation, be sure to leave lanes for all the boats you are working with. In general, slower crews should stay to the shore and allow faster crews to pass toward the middle of the river. Whatever lane you happen to be in, stay in that lane. If you are constantly changing your course, it will make it very difficult for others to maintain theirs. 9. Steering The oat With Pressure. Keep in mind that, when you call for pressure to steer, the boat will continue to turn slightly even after you have called even pressure. If you do not take this into account, you will tend to steer past where you needed to be pointed, and then you will have to ask for pressure on the other side to correct it. It is better to call even a little early and then have to ask for one or two more strokes on that side, than to over-steer and end up zig-zagging down the river. C 10. Precede Calls With In Two. Unless it is an emergency, try to call everything on the water in two. If you say Let it run, in two, half of your boat will let it run as soon as you say let it run and the other half will wait two strokes. It is better

23 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 23 to say In two, let it run so that everyone stops at the same time. 11. Coach s Instructions. When bowing in a coached situation, if the coach asks you to call something or start a drill, do so as quickly as possible. It is very difficult for a coach to manage multiple boats when one boat takes ten strokes to add a pause, while all the others did it in two strokes. 12. Spinning. There are different ways to spin, depending on what part of the river you are on. The most common way is to hold on one side and row on the other (on our part of the river, hold on 1. e a WC member in good standing A 2. Have sufficient sculling experience in the C port, row on starboard). This is fine in narrower parts of the river, because it will turn you without moving you across very much. If the area of the river where you are spinning is very narrow, you can back on one side and row on the other. When you are on a wider part of the river, it is best to spin halfway, so that you are perpendicular to the river, row across a few strokes, and then finish spinning. This will make it so that when you have finished spinning, you are on the correct side of the river. 13. Docking. In most situations, the best way to dock the boat is to aim for the portion of the dock where you would like to land, and approach the dock at about a degree angle. Row by yourself (with the others setting the boat), until your bow ball is close to the dock, but not hitting it. You will need a little momentum, but make sure not to hit the dock. efore you hit the dock, hold on your outside oar (which in our part of the river will be port) and have your crew lean away from the dock. This should allow you to turn enough A so that you end up parallel to the dock, and do not run up onto it. This is not always possible when the dock is crowded, but in those situations there is usually someone to grab a starboard oar, and pull you in. It is better to miss the dock and have to try again than to run your boat up on it! 14. An Important Responsibility. Remember, bowing is a huge responsibility, and not something to be taken lightly. It takes practice and focus, and adds another factor to your row. However, being a good bow makes you an asset to any sculling boat, and a good bow can be the difference between a win or a loss on race day. WC OWPERSON CERTIFICATION In order to avoid rower injury and damage to club equipment, WC instituted a owperson Certification process in July, The WC Coaches developed seven qualification standards that must be met to serve as a bowperson for a club sculling boat outside of coached Club Rows: bow seat of a scull, as determined by documented, accrued mileage and/or assessment by WC coaches. 3. e able to dock a boat safely; back a boat away from a hazard; and execute a 180 degree river turn. 4. Have clear knowledge of the four-mile section of the Upper Schuylkill River and its hazards. 5. Possess adequate visual acuity and sufficient physical flexibility to turn and see hazards and/or other boats. 6. e able to communicate clear rowing commands to the boat crew and other boat crews on the river. 7. Demonstrate a cautious approach when bowing boats during coached rows. A list of WC individuals qualified to A serve as bowpersons is posted near the sign-in desk and on the Members Only web site. WC members who want to achieve owperson Certification are encouraged to avail of the many opportunities to (1) row club gigs on one s own, to learn the river, and (2) serve as bowperson during Coached Club Rows. Please direct questions to WC Head Coach Susan Hermann or WC Captain Jack Voss. - Rick Schwarz Editor, The Whitemarsh Wake

24 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 24 Tips for Safe Rowing: Carry A Cell Phone y Rick Schwarz Vice President, Whitemarsh oat Club Editor, The Whitemarsh Wake The WC owperson Certification criteria (available on the Members Only web site) specify that, If a row occurs outside of coached times, the bow person must ensure that a cell phone is present in the boat and available for use in the event of an emergency (Note: a water-tight phone case will be made available for this purpose at the WC desk). Three Pelican Micro Cases are at the WC desk for your use (see picture at right). A They are waterproof, C lightweight and can accommodate clamshell phones, smart phones and many small digital cameras. The case is fully buoyant up to a load of 1.2 lbs. They come with a sport caribiner clip for attaching it securely to the boat with a lanyard. If I plan to row downriver in my single without a launch nearby, I use one to take my cell phone along, in case of an emergency involving myself or others. You can also purchase your own for $ Available at: Pelican Products, Inc. ($12 + shipping) CHECK YOUR POINT..ALWAYS KNOW WHAT S AHEAD! As the well-written and helpful article by Lauren Lehane says, as bowperson Your most important job is to keep your crew and your equipment safe! Steering a good and safe course has to come above everything else. This means that if you are in the bow of a sculling boat, always, ALWAYS be well aware of what is ahead 200 yards A ahead, at least. Almost every avoidable A mishap in a sculling boat results from letting one s caution lapse about what s ahead of the bow. As it was so aptly stated by a renowned aseball Hall of Famer and folk philosopher : You can observe a lot by just looking. (Yogi erra) You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there. (Yogi erra, too!) - Rick Schwarz Editor, The Whitemarsh Wake

25 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Schuylkill Navy Regatta June 18, 2011 Lower Schuylkill River Sprint Course Page 25 Twenty-nine masters rowers and coxswains competed under WC colors at the 2011 Schuylkill Navy Regatta on June 18th. This was the opening Summer Sprint Regatta for the WC team. oth the mens and Womens Eight sweep boats put in performances that were improvements over previous years, indicating that the hard work at the dedicated Race Practices and the technical leadership of Head Coach Susan Hermann and Assistant Coach Matt Ryan were producing tangible results. The ladies recorded a time of 3:45.58 (sixth place) while the guys posted a fast time in their heat (3:18.19), placing seventh overall. The Mixed Masters Double race had two WC boats in a deep and competitive field of 14 entries. Placing seventh were Matt Ryan and Lauren Lehane in a time of 3:44.51 for the 1,000 m course, with Gavin Kerr and Nora Cuningham immediately after them in eighth place (3:45.05). Dale Parenti continued to show steady improvement in the Womens Lightweight Masters Single category, as she placed fourth in a talented field of seven athletes, finishing fourth at 4: The Mens Four and the Womens Quad entries also put in solid efforts, rounding out a successful first showing for WC in the 2011 season. ELOW: WC crew members rigging the Doug Lucy to ready it for the Womens 8+ race.

26 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page Schuylkill Navy Regatta: WC Results Mixed Masters 2x Matt Ryan, Lauren Lehane 3:44.51 (7th of 14) Mens Masters 4+ Mike Altland, Steve Whalen, Ed Fox, Chris Perry, Kathleen Nieman (cox) 3:40.44 (16th of 21) Gavin Kerr, Nora Cunningham 3:45.05 (8th of 14) Womens Lightweight Masters 1x Dale Parenti 4:37.61 (4th of 7) Womens Masters 4x Dale Parenti, eth Reilly, Jane Voss, Liz radley 4:01.30 (5th of 7) Mens Masters 2x Matt Ryan, Mike Wood 3:51.13 (18th of 25) Womens Masters 8+ Linda Chisholm, Kathy Murphy, onnie Mueller, Gina Ricci, Michele Woodrow, Isabelle Greenberg, eth Haley, Linda Hrycko, Kathleen Nieman (cox) 3:45.58 (6th of 9) Mens Masters 8+ Steve McChesney, Steve Murphy, Jack Voss, Mike Altland, ill Scher, Rick Schwarz, Ed McIlvaine, Chris Perry, Mike Zborowski (cox). 3:18.19 (7th of 11) WC masters crew members chill a bit by the riverbank prior to their competitions. LEFT TO RIGHT: Dale Parenti, Jane Voss, Jack Voss, Chris Perry and Linda Hrycko. Photographs supplied by Whitemarsh Wake Editor Rick Schwarz

27 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 27 Independence Day Regatta July 1-3,2011 Lower Schuylkill River Sprint Course A large turnout among WC members competed in this regatta, hailed as the largest summer club regatta in the United States. The top WC performance was turned in by John Monaghan III and his son, John IV (who rows for his high school team, Radnor oys Crew Club. They finished second in the Father/Son 2x race in 3: Full results are posted at: AOVE: The Mens Eight (Steve Whalen, Steve McChesney, Mike Altland, Chris Perry, Jack Voss, Rick Schwarz, ill Scher, Steve Murphy and Cox Kathleen Nieman) head to the start line. ELOW: The Mens Four (Jack Voss, Rick Schwarz, ill Scher, Steve Murphy and Cox Maggie Dyer) competing over the 1,000 m sprint course.

28 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 28 CLOCKWISE FROM AOVE: The competitors relax before their races; The Father-Son 2x of John (III) and John (IV) Monaghan get ready to shove; Isabelle Greenberg s daughter, Ariel, finds the WC trailer a shady place to relax while Mom is on the water; and WC Head Coach Susan Hermann watches her crew race down the 1,000 m sprint course. Photographs courtesy of WC Members Kathy and Steve Murphy and Rick Schwarz

29 The Whitemarsh Wake Learn-To-Row Graduation arbecue August 9,2011 Hines Rowing Center On Tuesday evening, August 9th, the WC Community held a arbecue and Fun Race to celebrate the completion of the club s most successful Learn-To Row course since its inception. A total of 14 rowers completed the course. The highly successful social event was organized by WC Events Committee Co-Chairs Isabelle Greenberg and Steve McChesney, along with WC Membership Committee Chair onnie Mueller. A highlight of the evening were the Fun Races in which the newly-minted rowers and some experienced WC members and club guests crewed three eights over a 500 meter course near the HRC docks. Course instructors Joe Sullivan and Steve Whalen, along with onnie Mueller (a USRowing-certified Referee) served as the Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 race officials Page 29 WC s Learn-To-Row courses have achieved a reputation as a top program in the Philadelphia area for masters-age novice rowers to learn either sweep rowing or sculling. Usually conducted in eight sessions over three weeks, the courses are conducted two or three times per year, and are also open to novice scholastic rowers whose schools lack a crew program. Individuals interested in participating in future courses offered by the club should visit the web site at or contact WC Membership Committee Chair onnie Mueller at whitemarshboatclub@gmail.com. Special thanks go to Isabelle, Steve and onnie for organizing a fun and successful event!

30 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 30 AOVE: HRC Operations Director ob Smith and HRC Founders/Owners Lois and George Hines provide a tour of the boathouse to some guests. AT RIGHT: The crews of the three eights that participated in the Fun Race. A mix of Learn-To-Row graduates, WC members/coaches, and guests received medals to recognize their completion of the course and their participation in the race. ON PREVIOUS PAGE: The three eights and a sculling double cross the finish line after the completion of one of the two 500 meter races that were staged near the HRC docks. This provided a chance for the new rowers to experience the excitement of racing in a lowkey and friendly environment. Photographs supplied by Whitemarsh Wake Editor Rick Schwarz.

31 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 31 From The Photo Archives The beauty of the Upper Schuylkill River on a summer morning in late June..Captured in silhouette photography.. Preparing and launching WC boats at the Hines Rowing Center docks on Saturday, June 25th, 2011, 6:00 AM. Photographs courtesy of Steven Koff.

32 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Welcome To Our New Members! Page 32 ALIX MARKEE is a Philadelphia area native, and has been an active crew mom for the past three years. She decided to take the plunge and try her hand at rowing, and participated in the Fall 2010 Learn-to-Row Day at WC. Alix liked it so much that she joined the Winter 2011 Learn -to-erg sessions, is a recent grad of the Spring 2011 Learn-to-Row program, and is determined to become proficient in both sweep and scull rowing. Having enjoyed playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse throughout high school and college as well as spending countless hours on the Schuylkill watching her youngest daughter row, the transition to rowing was inevitable. "I am so incredibly impressed and overwhelmed with the friendly and caring nature of WC, she says. Not only have I been given the opportunity to learn this challenging sport, but I get to do so in an atmosphere where everyone is extremely supportive and encouraging to a novice like myself. Alix resides in Chester Springs with her husband, Jim, and two daughters, Chase and Yardley. She comes from an extensive background in both retail management and the hospitality industry. She has enjoyed coaching for youth organizations and is an active member in her community. Alix loves spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, photography, and sports. RENEE LANG says that she has "been curious about rowing for many years, and wanted to try it, but either it wasn't accessible or I didn't have the time. After moving here for work and to be closer to family, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the strong rowing community in Philly. My first experience on the water was during the Learn to Row class this past Spring, and I have been hooked on getting better ever since. Renee feels that the general support from club members has been helpful and encouraging. I hope to continue to improve so that I can race at some time in the future. Renee is a Naturopathic doctor at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America hospital located in NE Philly and am also pursuing an MPH part-time at Johns Hopkins. She relates that, rowing provides a nice break to the intensity of my job and the headiness of my classes."

33 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 33 Welcome To Our New Members! JULIE WATERURY came to WC on the suggestion of her good friend (and WC newbie), Shawn Travis. Shawn got me thinking about getting back into rowing after a long hiatus from the water, she says. I started rowing with Carnegie Lake Rowing Association in 1993 while in graduate school. I rowed competitively with the club for seven years, competing in a number of sprint and head races, including the Head of the Charles and Masters Nationals. Julie stopped rowing when she left Princeton, and didn t have a chance to pick it up again after moving to Philly before her first child was born. I missed rowing every time I'd drive or bike along the parkway, watching all the various boats out on the water, she says. Julie lives in Erdenheim and works full-time in Lansdale, and with a husband, two kids, cat and dog at home; the thought of trying to fit a trek in and out of the city to row was never a possibility that I could consider. I am ecstatic to be back on the water and feel fortunate to have joined such a great group of people. WC has been so welcoming and has incredibly dedicated members that make it a strong organization that is only growing stronger. TODD DANKO started rowing as a freshman at Niskayuna High School near Albany, NY. A friend of mine wanted to try out for the team and convinced me to come with him, Todd says. Until that point I had never really thought about rowing, but I was hooked the first time we pushed off the dock. After high school, Todd rowed at the University at uffalo and upon graduation, moved to the Philadelphia area, where he rowed recreationally at the Upper Merion oat Club in ridgeport. He took a few years off when he transferred to his current job in Cherry Hill, NJ. I am a Lead Research Scientist at Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Labs in Cherry Hill, NJ, Todd describes, where I develop approaches for robotic manipulation. He lives in Lafayette Hill along with his wife, Karen (who was also a rower at the University at uffalo), and their two daughters, who are one and four years old. Todd says that he, learned of the Whitemarsh oat Club when I attended the Independence Day Regatta as a spectator, and decided that it was time to start rowing again..so here I am!

34 The Whitemarsh Wake Welcome To Our New Members! Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 34 STEPHANIE CHRISTIAN (No picture available) has worked at Vanguard for 15 years, and rowed for the company as part of the 2010 and 2011 Dad Vail Corporate Challenge Race. She and her husband, Ron, have three daughters: Melanie, Alex and Sam. She says that her two Corporate Challenge races are the extent of my racing experience. ut Stephanie has other reasons to row than just for racing. I enjoy rowing and the beautiful river scenery of our part of the river. MARTIN HECKLER ( Marty ) never rowed before the recent LTR clinic, although active throughout high school in varsity football, basketball and track and on Temple's track team as a javelin thrower. His interest in rowing had its start in recent years from his observation of the rowing activity on the Schuylkill during his summer early morning and late evening commutes on Kelly Drive to and from his office. He thought then that when he retired and had more time he would have to give rowing a try. Prior to retirement, he practiced law for 45 years, the last 27 of those years as a partner at the law firm of Fox Rothschild, LLP in the tax, general business and corporate fields with a particular focus on merger & acquisition work. etween college and law school he served for three years on active duty in the Navy where he trained and then flew as one of a three man crew as a bombardier-navigator in a swept wing, twin jet engine, aircraft carrier based, high altitude nuclear delivery bomber which was part of the Navy's nuclear delivery capability during the cold war period. Following his active duty period, he spent 14 years as a Naval air intelligence officer in the active Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He came to WC as a result of a discussion he had with a good tennis friend who, Martin recently discovered, is a long-time rower and who recommended he sign up for an LTR class at WC. Martin says "I very much enjoyed the LTR classes, the very helpful and capable instruction, and the people I have met so far at the WC, and look forward to a lot of rowing/sculling at WC in the years to come."

35 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Welcome To Our New Members! Page 35 AMANDA MONTGOMERY graduated from Penn State in May 2010, and moved to Manayunk to work for Liberty Mutual Group in Center City. She was on the club crew team for a year and a half at Penn State. orn in Kalamazoo, MI, she moved to Clinton, NJ at the age of ten. Amanda says, I have two little brothers, one at Penn State and the other is starting at Temple this fall. My parents and my puppy live in New Jersey. In my free time, I enjoy going on long runs on Kelly Drive, painting, sewing, traveling, lifting weights, live music and kayaking. My favorite quote..."simply e." JEANNE CLARK began rowing in 2003 at Washington College in Chestertown, MD. After rowing competitively for four years, Jeanne graduated and moved to oston, MA where she continued her education at Tufts University. After 3 years of intensive study, Jeanne graduated with a MA/EdS in School Psychology. In 2009, Jeanne moved to the suburbs of Philadelphia with her fiancé Travis and began working as a School Psychologist in the North Penn School District. After several years of being away from the sport, Jeanne was itching to get back out onto the water. In searching for a club in the area, Jeanne came across WC. It was the clubs team approach that enticed Jeanne to join. From my first moment on the water with WC, I realized that this was where I was meant to be. I am very excited to be back with the sport, and am looking forward to improving my skills, meeting new people, and winning some races!

36 The Whitemarsh Wake Welcome To Our New Members! Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 36 DANI THOLE joined WC as soon as she signed on to serve as Assistant Coach of the Radnor Girls Crew Club, which also rows out of the HRC. efore taking up rowing during her freshman year in college, Dani played soccer competitively for 14 years. She was a four-year scholarship athlete at Sacramento State in California (a Division I school) and was captain her senior year. Dani's crew rowed to a silver medal in the varsity eight at the Dad Vail Regatta (2008) and was WIRA Conference Champions in 2006, 2007 and She completed the US Rowing U- 23 development camp in While at Sacramento State, she earned a achelor of Arts degree in photography. Dani began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant for Sacramento State's Novice Crew for the season, where her duties included training and technical development on ergs, boats and land; rigging; oncampus recruiting; creating workouts and weight lifting. DARCI FOOTE started rowing this summer when she took the WC LTR class. Her sister, Charlotte Foote, who joined in May as a summer collegiate member, found WC online when trying to find places where both of them could row. Darci says that, WC was perfect for the two of us, allowing Charlotte to come to club and racing rows, as well as attend LTR sessions with me. After finishing the LTR class I was able to find a convenient commute that allowed me to continue rowing at WC. Darci is a senior at UPenn studying iochemistry, with minors in Mathematics and Ancient History. She also does research in a Hematology lab on campus and with the Emergency Department at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Charlotte and I are originally from Michigan, where we grew up in a family of eight children, says Darci. Currently, three of us are rowing, and we're hoping to continue recruiting!

37 The Whitemarsh Wake Welcome To Our New Members! Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 37 SANDY ROWN is a recent Learn to Row graduate along with her husband, Pete rown. Sandy, originally from Long Island, NY grew up around water sports sailing, canoeing and surfing. After moving to Philly, every time I passed oathouse Row I had this desire to learn to row. A recent article in the paper describing WC, a daughter going off to college, and easy access to Whitemarsh motivated her to make the commitment. Sandy has been impressed with the coaching, friendliness of the members, and their willingness to teach a novice. She works as an interior designer affiliated with Winterthur Museum in Delaware and looks forward to a couple of trips a year out West to ride horses. My long term goal is to get enough coached hours under my belt to scull in a single or double in the early morning, and enjoy the exercise and tranquility. PETE ROWN along with his wife Sandy, is a recent graduate of our latest Learn to Row Class. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, he was well aware of the sport of rowing but never participated in it. What Pete enjoys the most about WC is the camaraderie and the friendliness of all the members and coaches especially considering I have never been in a boat before. Pete is a partner and general manager of a building maintenance company. He lives in Merion with his wife and rowing partner Sandy, along with their daughter, Shannon, and their two dogs. MAKE SURE TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ALL OF THESE VALUED NEW WC MEMERS!

38 The Whitemarsh Wake Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall, 2011 Page 38