Rowing Aviron Annual Report 2015 CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Vision To be the leading rowing nation in the world

Mission To BUILD, DRIVE and INSPIRE growth and excellence within Canada’s rowing community

Values: As members of Aviron, we recognise the following principles to guide our decisions and behaviour:

Excellence: We are committed to do our best in all we do. Integrity: We are honest, respectful and accountable. Community: We are a community of partnerships that is connected and passionate about the sport of rowing. Photo credit: Kevin Light ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Contents

President’s Report 4

CEO’s Report 6

High Performance Director’s Report 8

Treasurer’s Report 10

Provincial Director’s Report 11

2015 Results 13

2016 Events 21

Committee Reports Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Joint Commission 23 Umpires Committee 24 Safety and Events Committee 24 Canadian University Rowing Association 25

In Recognition 26

Rowing Canada Aviron 27 Board and Organization

Appendix 31 Financial Statements

Front cover image credits: Katie Steenman ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

President’s Report On Fundraising and Revenue Growth: ticing lawyer who brings to the Board a the planning and implementation of a great deal of non-profit board experience fundraising strategy has begun with the with Rowing Newfoundland and other support of the Canadian Olympic Foun- community organizations. dation. At the international level I attended the On Membership Growth and Participa- annual FISA Congress, which coincides tion Development: recommendations will with the Senior World Championships, be presented to the membership at the as well as two special FISA National Semi-Annual Meeting in January 2016 to Federations Conferences in March and address the restructuring of participant September. FISA’s focus at these con- Mike Walker categories. ferences boils down to four main themes: President, Rowing Canada Aviron Rowing and the Olympic Movement, Finally, on RCA’s System of Influence: is Governance, Rules and Events, with the I am pleased to introduce Rowing Can- being fully tested with our engagement principles of universal participation and ada Aviron’s Annual Report for the year on a number of significant initiatives from equal participation between the sexes 2015 with this, my second President’s FISA and the COC that are addressed running through each theme. message. below.

The RCA Board of Directors continues to he excitement created by the team’s success (at develop its five areas of focus to advance the vision, mission and strategic plan of T the Pan Am Games) left a buzz that will stimulate RCA. These areas of focus are where more interest in the sport across the country. the Board feels it can make the greatest difference and we are succeeding in exercising this influence. Speaking again of the Board, I want to The Canadian voice is strongly repre- note the passing of Justin Fryer, who sented at these meetings, with Canada’s On a World Class Training Environment: was one of two living Honorary Officers Tricia Smith as FISA Vice-President and RCA is committed to providing our ath- of RCA, a Past President, and a stalwart a number of Canadians on FISA Com- letes with an environment that matches in supporting us through the significant missions, along with Peter Cookson and their elite training and to provide superior governance changes of the past few myself as the RCA delegates. With FISA resources to ensure the focus of Cana- years. He is greatly missed. considering significant changes in these dian athletes is on their pursuit of podium four areas, our voice as an important finishes. We are continuing to pursue I also wish to recognize Debbie Sage rowing nation is being heard and RCA is options that will allow us to see this com- for her service on the Board since 2013 not being shy about taking positions on mitment become a reality. as Vice-President National Development key issues. and subsequently as a Director at Large. On a National and International Event Debbie chose to retire from the Board We are all very proud of Canadian row- Strategy: a four-year term for the hosting this year and her wealth of knowledge of ing’s own Tricia Smith, who was elected of our National Rowing Championships Canadian Rowing from the grassroots to as President of the Canadian Olympic was approved by the Board in the fall, the international level will be missed. And Committee in November. Tricia’s leader- which will include a new format and with that, I welcome Andrew Fitzgerald ship comes at a critical time for the COC. earlier dates in the years when the World as our newest Board member elected in Her direct and transparent approach in Championship schedule allows. September along with the return of Brian tackling issues important to our athletes Lamb and Jon Beare. Andy is a prac- will help the COC move forward. 4 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

ith medals won at almost Wevery international event in which Canada participated, we continue to be recognized as a leader amongst summer . —Mike Walker, President, RCA

The COC is putting tremendous effort will stimulate more interest in the sport thank those who warmly welcomed me into supporting National Sport Feder- across the country. With medals won at at each stop. It is these opportunities to ations, providing both resources and almost every international event in which get out with our Athletes, Coaches, Um- platforms to Board Chairs and CEOs for Canada participated, we continue to be pires and many Volunteers that inspires developing and sharing best practices recognized as a leader amongst summer me the most in my role. You to prove to help ensure we build and maintain sports in Canada. I have confidence that that rowing in Canada is in very good high performing organizations that best our outstanding High Performance team hands. support our athletes. will continue to put in place the support needed for our athletes to continue to It has been an honour to serve as Our National Teams had a very produc- succeed. President of RCA in 2015 and I look tive year, which leaves me optimistic forward to working together with the RCA for 2016 and beyond. The summer’s Again this year I have had the privilege of Member Clubs and Associations, RCA’s highlight was the dominating perfor- attending many events across Canada, CEO and her Staff, and all of our Volun- mance on home water at the 2015 Pan from the Pan Am Games and national teers across Canada toward achieving Am Games in Saint Catharines, with regattas such as the Royal Canadian our vision to be the leading rowing nation gold and three bronze medals in Henley Regatta, to local events. I contin- in the world. 14 events. The excitement created ue to be impressed with the vibrancy and by the team’s success left a buzz that passion for Canadian rowing and want to ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

CEO’s Report Congratulations to our Para Crew for their to the Learn to Row curriculum and the bronze medal finish at World Champi- development of Facilitators and Evalua- onships and to our U23 athletes who tors to deliver on consistent, high quality came home with one gold, one silver and programming. one bronze medal from the U23 World Donna Atkinson Championships (, Bulgaria). We’re Last summer, high performance was CEO, Rowing Canada Aviron pleased to see development efforts tak- able to support an apprentice women in ing root at all levels which this bodes well coaching position at the London Training WIN, GROW, BUILD describes the key for 2020 as a key strategic focus. Centre. Four clubs participated in a “Na- areas of focus for our staff and the Board tional Team Coach” program which was and 2015 was an incredibly active year In the area of high performance, there funded by Immunotec. A number of our on a number of fronts, with many note- have been significant program shifts over club coaches were selected to attend worthy successes and some disappoint- the past two years with a forward look to Junior Worlds and CanAmMex Regattas, ments. 2020. We are working to provide every gaining valuable international exposure. competitive advantage we can for our A definite highlight was the 2015 Pan Am athletes and to maximize our international Thanks to the generous contributions of Games Regatta in St. Catharines. Our medal success. An important compo- supporters across the country and a ma- athletes performed magnificently, taking nent of this is improving the daily training jor contribution from Hudson Boatworks, home medals in 11 of 14 events with environment that is far behind that of our the family of Jack Nicholson will be eight golds. It was gratifying to see the major international competitors. Much announcing a new Coach Development stands filled with Canadian team support- work has been done over the past year Grant to support Club Coaches and rec- ers and the maple leaf in full force. The on a future facilities plan and stakeholder ognize the valuable role that they play. team of organizers, under the leadership consultation is now underway. RCA Umpires, our tireless volunteers who of Bill Schenck and Tim Rigby along with support from key volunteers and RCA IN, GROW, BUILD describes the key areas of staff, did an outstanding job, hosted a first class event that capitalized on the Wfocus for our staff and the Board and 2015 was opportunity to profile our sport and our athletes at home. Congratulations to our an incredible year on a number of fronts. athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff On the domestic front, coach develop- are core to our business, have also been for a great performance and being a ment has been centre stage. RCA staff hard at work. Over the past few years, major part of making these Games Cana- and committee members have done an expanding our roster of FISA certified and da’s most successful Pan Am Games outstanding job: eliminating all program internationally experienced umpires has ever. backlog, achieving formal approval for been important. These numbers have RCA Performance Coach and producing grown and we continue to do well on At the 2015 World Rowing Champion- a new RCA Coach Certification pathway the number of Canadian umpires being ships in Aiguebelette, , seven of and policy manual to clarify program re- named to international regattas and are our crews were successful in qualifying quirements. This year a record number of pleased to have a Canadian umpire for the RIO Olympic and Paralympic coaches have signed up for the Perfor- named to the RIO Olympic roster. This Games in 2016 – just six weeks after the mance Coach program in preparation for year, leveraging the Toronto 2015 Games Pan Am Games. While we met our qual- the 2017 . The new RCA and funding, the Umpires Committee ifying targets, we fell shy of expectations Athlete Pathway has received significant did a thorough job in preparing six new on medals with many very tight races. accolades from and Ca- umpires to be successful in achieving Since Worlds, all focus has shifted to RIO nadian Sport for Life leaders. It is being FISA certification. The committee will also and ensuring our athletes are in the best developed into a new learning module introduce in 2016 a fully updated Umpire position to make these Olympics count. and incorporated into all coach develop- Development program and are to be ment materials. Attention has now turned congratulated for all of their work. 6 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

the Pan Am Games, volunteers turned We continue to be challenged by our The Membership Category Review around and welcomed the highest num- reliance on government funding and as Committee is bringing forward recom- ber of Henley participants in the of a sport, we need to anticipate that this mendations for member approval of a the Regatta. Following that, they immedi- could change at any time and be ready. new structure that sets the stage for ately shifted to focus on the RCA National With support of the Canadian Olympic Clubs and PRAs to better track and retain Championships and hosted a great event Committee, much work is being done participants through both program and on Thanksgiving weekend. in the background preparing for the regatta participation. This is a funda- launch and implementation of what will mental shift for RCA and will require all of One of this year’s disappointments was be Rowing Canada Aviron’s largest donor us to work closely over the next year to the cancellation of the 2015 Canadi- development strategy and sustainable make it a success. an Masters Championships in Kenora, fundraising effort. With expert guidance . The local organizing committee and commitment from many of our The National Event Strategy Working had put together a very exciting and sport leaders, the goal is to activate our Group completed their work on the RCA welcoming program and Masters rowers Alumni and membership to secure the National Rowing Championships. They would have been in for a real treat had support we need for: club development, have developed a new National Cham- they committed to attending. our “next generation” of athletes, world pionships and Canada Cup Regatta leading coaches and high performance format that encourages participation from In 2016, Regina Rowing Club is the infrastructure. Ensuring ongoing support all provinces and supports the devel- proud host of the Canadian Masters for these four pillars will make a huge opment of our Canada Games athletes and for those who have attended in difference in terms of results and the long and coaches. Final information will be the past – you know it will be fabulous. term sustainability of our sport. presented at the Conference so coaches The organizing committee is building an can prepare their athletes and teams for amazing event, guaranteed to be both The RCA Annual Conference gives participation in this year’s regatta. competitive and fun where we hope to us the opportunity to both look back draw a strong crowd. Masters – be sure and recognize those athletes, leaders, To support the development of our NRCs to put this one in your calendar! influencers and volunteers within rowing as a premier championship, a four-year who keep our sport at the forefront and bidding cycle was introduced. Subject Special kudos to the Atlantic region this to look forward as an organization and to a final Hosting Agreement – Burnaby year. Antigonish Rowing Club, St. Francis talk to our membership about what we Lake is to be the site of the National Xavier University and Row Nova Scotia can do better. I look forward to seeing Championships and Canada Cup Regat- were proud hosts of the 2015 Canadi- many of you at this year’s Conference in ta from 2016 through to 2019. We look an University Rowing Championships, Ottawa and hearing all of your thoughts forward to seeing this event grow and showing off their new 2000-metre course and aspirations. I wish to thank every- thrive under the leadership of Rowing BC and putting on a first class event. one within the RCA community for your and thank the Working Group for seeing ongoing commitment to living our values this project through. As we head into the new year, we have and moving our sport forward. You are already begun work on planning for the all amazing and we do not thank you St. Catharines was a hub of activity in next quadrennial and we will be consult- enough! 2015. Almost immediately after hosting ing with our members along the way.

RowingPEI, who were hit with what could have been a club ending disaster, have recovered from their boathouse collapse and mustered the energy to raise what was needed to rebuild their pro- gram. They continue to thrive and hats off to those clubs and PRAs from across Canada who stepped up to help. This was an impres- sive show of camaraderie from within the rowing community that should make us all feel proud. —Donna Atkinson, CEO, Rowing Canada Aviron ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

High Performance Director’s Report Peter Cookson There were no podium finishes, but can be accomplished if we continue to High Performance Director, there is a very marked improvement in work diligently and intelligently. Rowing Canada Aviron the overall performance of the team. 2015 saw the creation of a Junior Forty-five athletes have been invited into The 2015 year was a year of many Squad that meets regularly for training the respective Olympic and Paralympic highs and some disappointments as and we are confident that we will see camps and a number of coaches re-as- outlined in the CEO’s report. Our senior improved results in the Juniors in the signed in order to maximize our podium athletes did an outstanding job repre- years to come. The Juniors also had a performances in 2016. Terry Paul has senting Canadian rowing at the 2015 very successful CanAmMex regatta. been shifted to the Men’s program with hosted in St. the goal to qualify our second men’s Catharines with eight gold and three Looking forward, the number one prior- crew. Phil Marshall has been moved to bronze medals captured from the 14 ity and focus for our Senior Team is the the women’s program to support John Pan Am events. Rio Olympic and . Keogh and the three qualified women’s

All of the training undertaken in the boats. And, just six weeks later, our senior past years is focused on converting our athletes were at the 2105 World Cham- qualified crews onto the podium at the Tom Morris has been fully assigned to pionships – Olympic Qualifier in Ai- Olympic and Paralympic Games. There the lightweight women’s program. Al guebelette, France where although we is an old adage in rowing that holds true Morrow continues with the lightweight qualified seven crews for RIO and met many times over -it’s not necessarily the men and Howard Campbell has taken our qualifying targets and had six crews best crews that win the over the NDC-BC and the role as U23 in the “A” finals, our goals in terms of medals -it’s the best prepared crews Men’s Coach. John Wetzstein is lead- medals were not realized. We expected that win medals. Our goal is to be both ing the Para program based out of the more than the bronze medals captured and there is a strong team belief that VTC. by the W8+ and the Para LTAM 4+. the target of four medals at the Games

The Under 23 program continues to progress and forms a large component RIO 2016 PEFORMANCE TARGETS of the development of athletes towards Event Target Coach Event Target Coach the Senior/Olympic path. The U23 World Championships were highlighted by our first ever Gold Medal in a Men’s W8+ Top 2 John Keogh W1x Top 4 Volker Nolte/J. Keogh 4x event at this level. The Gold medal in the M4x was supported by a silver medal in the BW4- and a bronze medal M4- Top 3 Martin McElroy W2- Top 5 Phil Marshall/J. Keogh in the BM4-.

The Junior program managed to push LW2x Top 3 Tom Morris M4x Top 5 Terry Paul/M. McElroy four crews through to A finals, the most in over 15 years. LTAMix4+ Top 3 John Wetzstein LM4- Top 8 Al Morrow 8 ll of the training undertaken in the past years is turning lightweight women. The squad is currently being co-ordinated by Peter A focused on converting our qualified crews onto the Shakespear and Chuck McDiarmid podium at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. and Howard Campbell and Michelle Darvill will take on the key coaching assignments with the coaching assign- Program changes have been made and ranks and are on track for the 2020 ments for the U23 lightweight men and athletes have been training diligently team. Trials for the senior non-Olympic women to be determined. Trials and since returning to the centres in late team will be in May 2016. selection for the Under 23 team will be September. Testing is showing gains in Welland in mid-May 2016. with 10 personal bests recorded in the Under 23’s: We will look to have a ongoing ergometer testing. strong U23 team in 2016. Three of the Juniors: There are a number of strong four members of the U23 gold medal juniors rising through the ranks with In addition to the Olympic team, we will BM4x are returning, along with several potential to be members of the squad be fielding a senior team to compete at returning members of the other medal- in 2016. Junior assessments will take the non-Olympic World Championships. ing athletes in the BW4- and BM4-. place in April and May in BC and Ontar- io respectively, with the junior selection The team will consist of those athletes We look to have a strong lightweight to occur in early June 2016. who have graduated from the U23 men’s quad along with some good re- ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Treasurer’s Report italizing equipment purchased were the On the positive side, revenues were main reasons for moving from a modest increased by a few events during this profit for the year to a loss. past year. Brian J. Lamb Treasurer, Rowing Canada Aviron 2. Cash is down: RCA’s share of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta went up due to both an The audited financial statements of the For the second year in a row, our year increase in participants as well as careful Canadian Amateur Rowing Association end cash position has been reduced so cost controls by the Henley Commission. for the year ended March 31, 2015 are this deserves comment. presented to you for your review and I Also contributing to increased revenues provide to you the following written com- The statement of Cash Flows (page 6) were funds received for a Pan Am games mentary. indicates cash reduced by $152,100 test event as well as the CanAmMex re- in 2014-15 and $122,282 in 2013-14. gatta. Offsetting expenses for these latter 1. Loss of $48,904 for the year: While at first glance this seems alarming, two regattas are reflected within RCA a review of the statement shows that our regattas and events on Schedule 3. Although our audited financial statements operations lead to an increase in cash of are prepared in accordance with Cana- $65,795 ($193,052 in 2013-14). The Finally, during the year RCA entered into dian accounting standards for not-for- main reason cash is down is because a licensing agreement with Speed Skat- profit organizations, through the year we of paying down our accounts payable ing Canada which allows them to make use standards set by Sport Canada, our ($210,397) and leasing more equipment. use of our Web Registration technology main funding partner, to keep our books. The leases overlapped our March 31, in order to develop their own web based Using these standards, we reported to 2015 year end and hence our prepaid registration and payments system. Sport Canada a profit of $49,000 for expenses were up $71,779. 2014-15. The main differences are that In summary, while our Statement of Sport Canada does not recognize amor- We continue to monitor our expenditures Operations shows a small net loss for the tization of capital assets as an expense and cash levels very closely. year, our CEO and staff continue to effec- but does permit the expensing of most tively manage our financial resources. of our equipment purchases. Booking 3. Positive financial impacts: amortization of capital assets and cap- 10 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Provincial Director’s Report

In my first year as Provincial Director, organizations and clarifying the roles and I have had the good fortune to work responsibilities of the provinces and RCA directly with the Provincial Advisory with regard to Canadian rowing. Council (PAC). PAC is comprised of the Provincial Presidents and is At this time I would like to thank outgoing an opportunity for all provinces to Provincial Presidents, Carol Hermansen, communicate with each other, and Alberta Rowing Association, Jeff through me, with the RCA Board Reitberger, Manitoba Rowing Association regarding provincial issues and and Richard Cabana, L’Association accomplishments as well as contribute Quebecoise d’Aviron. I have appreciated Carol L Purcer, to Canadian rowing from a provincial their support as I learned through my Provincial Director, perspective. first year with PAC and also for their Rowing Canada Aviron commitment to their provinces to improve Through conference calls and two rowing programs and opportunities. I am face to face meetings this year, it has anticipating continued growth in rowing been my pleasure to work with the as I work with the new leaders of these provincial presidents and move forward provincial rowing associations. on issues surrounding opportunities for coaching education, developing a I look forward to our next year as we grow deeper understanding of sport funding the sport of rowing together! and its impact provincially, building strong

11 Photo credit: Kevin Light ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

2015 Results

World Rowing Cup I Bled, Slovakia World Junior Rowing Championships May 9 - 10, 2015 , August 5 - 9, 2015 II Varese, CanAmMex Regatta June 18 - 21, 2015 City, Mexico July 6 - 11, 2015 World Rowing Cup III , Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing July 10 - 12, 2015 Association’s Championship Regatta St. Catharines, Ontario World Rowing Championships June 5 - 7, 2015 Aiguebelette, France August 30 - September 6, 2015 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta St. Catharines, Ontario TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games August 2 - 9, 2015 St. Catharines, Ontario July 11 - 15, 2015 RCA National Rowing Championships St. Catharines, Ontario World Rowing Under 23 Championships October 8 - 10, 2015 Plovdiv, Bulgaria July 22 - 26, 2015

13 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

World Rowing Cup II // Verese, Italy // June 18 - 21, 2015

W8+ Cristy Nurse, Lisa Roman, Susanne Silver W1x Carling Zeeman 4th Grainger, Jennifer Martins, Christine Roper, Ashley Brzozowicz, Natalie Mastracci, LM4- Brendan Hodge, Eric Woelfl, Maxwell Lattimer, 10th Lauren Wilkinson, Lesley Thompson-Willie Nicolas Pratt

M4- Will Crothers, Tim Schrijver, Kai Bronze W2x Kerry Shaffer, Antje Von Seydlitz 12th Langerfeld, Conlin McCabe M1x Pascal Lussier 26th M4x Matthew Buie, Julien Bahain, Bronze Will Dean, Rob Gibson

World Rowing Cup III // Lucerne, Switzerland // July 10 - 12, 2015

W8+ Cristy Nurse, Lisa Roman, Susanne Gold W2- Jennifer Martins, Cristy Nurse 4th Grainger, Jennifer Martins, Christine Roper, Ashley Brzozowicz, Natalie Mastracci, Lauren LW2x Lindsay Jennerich, Patricia Obee 12th Wilkinson, Lesley Thompson-Willie

World Rowing Championships // Aiguebelette, France // August 30 - September 6, 2015

W8+ Lisa Roman, Cristy Nurse, Jennifer Bronze Martins, Ashley Brzozowicz, Christine LW1x Katherine Sauks 9th Roper, Susanne Grainger, Natalie Mastracci, Lauren Wilkinson, Lesley Thompson-Willie LM4- Maxwell Lattimer, Brendan Hodge, Nicolas 11th Pratt, Eric Woelfl LTAM4X Victoria Nolan, Veronique Boucher, Bronze Curtis Halladay, Andrew Todd, Kristen Kit M4x Matthew Buie, Julien Bahain, Will Dean, 11th Rob Gibson M4- Will Crothers, Tim Schrijver, Kai Langerfeld, 4th Conlin McCabe M2- Mike Evans, Martin Barakso 12th

LW2x Lindsay Jennerich, Patricia Obee 4th M1x Pascal Lussier 16th

W1x Carling Zeeman 6th W2x Kate Goodfellow, Antje Von Seydlitz 22nd

W2- Jennifer Martins, Cristy Nurse 6th Pan Am Games // St. Catharines, Ontario // July 11 - 15, 2015

M2x Matthew Buie, Pascal Lussier Bronze LM2x Saul Garcia, Mark Henry 5th

M4- Will Crothers, Tim Schrijver, Gold M2- Mike Evans, Martin Barakso 5th Kai Langerfeld, Conlin McCabe W2x Kerry Shaffer, Antje Von Seydlitz Gold M4x Matthew Buie, Julien Bahain, Gold Will Dean, Rob Gibson W2- Rosie Deboef, Kristin Bauder Bronze

M1x Rob Gibson Silver LW2x Liz Fenje, Katherine Sauks Gold

LM- Maxwell Lattimer, Brendan Hodge, Gold W1x Carling Zeeman Gold Nicolas Pratt, Eric Woelfl W4x Kate Goodfellow, Kerry Shaffer, Gold M8+ Mike Evans, Will Dean, Julien Bahain, Gold Carling Zeeman, Antje Von Seydlitz Martin Barakso, Tim Schrijver, Conlin McCabe, Kai Langerfeld, Will Crothers, LW1x Liz Fenje 5th Jacob Koudys World Rowing Under 23 Championships // Plovdiv, Bulgaria // July 22 - 26, 2015

BM4x Matthew Finley (St. Catharines Rowing Club), Karl Zimmermann (Leander Boat Club) Gold Graham Peeters (Peterborough Rowing Club), Taylor Perry (Fredricton Rowing Club)

BW4- Caleigh Filmer (University of California/Victoria City Rowing Club), Morgan Silver Cathrea (Gorge Narrows Rowing Club), Hillary Janssens (UBC), Nicole Hare (Washington State University)

BM4- Jakub Buczek (Columbia University), Lucas Degelder (McGill University Bronze Rowing Club), Mackenzie Copp (), David De Groot (Brock University/St. Catharines Rowing Club) 15 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

BLM4x Alex Watson (Peterborough RC), Vlad Tyminkskyi (Burnaby Lake RC), 7th Patrick Keane (Victoria City RC). Aaron Lattimer (UBC)

BLW2x Jill Moffatt (U of esternW Ontario), Larissa Werbicki (U of Western Ontario) 9th

BW4x Larkin Davenport Huyer (Kingston RC), Sarah Rothwell (Peterborough RC/Trent U), 11th Ali Zwicker (Victoria City RC), Gabrielle Smith (Club d’aviron de Boucherville)

BLM2- Grayson Gray (Brock U/St. Catharines RC), James Myers 12th (Brock U/St. Catharines RC)

CanAmMex Regatta // Mexico City, Mexico // July 6 - 11, 2015

Overall: Canada - 104 points 1st JW1x Sarah Craven Silver USA - 99 points 2nd Mexico - 91 points 3rd JW1x (B) Aline Belzil Gold

JM1x Sean Van Gessell Gold JW2x Anna Maloney, Skyler Gold Goudswaard JM1x (B) Braedan Rush Silver JW2- Ivy Elling Quaintance, Gold JM2x Gavian Stone, Alex Ridenour Bronze Emma Ayres

JM2- Travis Gronsdahl, Miles Krakowec Silver JW2- (B) Rachel Clarke, Antonia Frappell Gold Tickner JW4x Skyler Goudswaard, Anna Gold JM2- (B) Ellis Hollands, Noah Redfern Silver Maloney, Aline Belzil, Sarah Craven JM4x Braedan Rush, Gavin Stone, Silver Alex Ridenour, Sean Van Gessell JW4- Taija Thompson, Hannah Bronze Bristowe, Gemma Kerr, Katie JM4- Nicholas Nero, Elliot Hall, William Gold Pearson Jamen, Oliver Dugbarty JW8+ Taija Thompson, Rachel Clarke, Silver JM8+ Nicholas Nero, Elliot Hall, Ellis Silver Antonia Frappell, Hannah Hollands, Noah Redfern, Travis Bristowe, Gemma Kerr, Katie Gronsdahl, Krakowec Tickner, Pearson, Ivy Elling Quaintance, William James, Oliver Dugbarty, Emma Ayres, Paige McVittie (cox) Rily Raso (cox) 16 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association’s Championship Regatta // St. Catharines, Ontario // June 5 - 7, 2015 (Canadian gold medal finishes) JM4+ St. Georges School Rhys French, Edward Chapman, Ryan Watt, George M1x Blessed Trinity - Ethan McAlpine Jing Wang, Massimiliano Liu W4+ Brockville M8+ Upper Canada Mae Warren, Alexandra Everett, Abbev King, Lizzie (72kg) Shakir Lakhani, Gordon Peck, Brooks Ralph, James McCabe, Sarah Babbitt Griffith, Maxukuli, T Adamo Quarin, Charlie Marshall, Sam Fleming, Ted Munn JM8+ Brentwood School Ayden Assalv, Lion Tautz, Peter Lancashire, Max M2x E.L. Crossley - Nicholas Tavares, Jared Naar Veraszto, Aidan Witts, Daniel Lethin, Oliver Wilson, Cameron Worthington-Wilmer, Derek Anderson JW4+ Brentwood College School Seo Young Ra, Nairee Paulus, Zoe Napier, Daniel W2x Crofton MacDonald, Andrea Marvel (63kg) Julia Lindsay, Sarah McCurdy

JM4x Brentwood College School W4+ St. Michael’s University School Lion Tautz, Max Veraszto,Peter Lancashire, Aidan Witts (63kg) Chloe White, Sun-Eui Choi, Acacia Welsford, Julianna Wong, Juliane Pohl W1x Marion M. Graham Collegiate (63 kg) Sarah Craven M4x E.L. Crossley Braedan Rush, Jared Naar, Noah McDonald, Dylan JM4+ E.L. Crossley Minor (72kg) Kennedy Keith, James Green,Neil Kennedy, Connor Howey, Denver Parent W1x Campbell Collegiate - Kendell Massier

JW2x Saint Michael JM2x E.L. Crossley - Kevin Keith, Neil Kannedy Olivia Jose, Anna Maloney JW4+ E.L. Crossley M4+ St. Michael’s University School Emili Rimar, Kaelen Partridge, Julia Labricciosa, Katie (66kg) Nathan Anter, Connor Fenton, John Throne, David Zavitz, Pevton Learn Cunningham, Max Yong M1x St. Michael - Alex Powell JM1x St. Andrew’s School - Liam Keane W4+ E.L. Crossley JM4+ E.L. Crossley Sophia Buzzell, Sarah Fuller, Lisa Gearing, Brooke (66kg) Evelyn Bianchin, Kevin Keith, Lynden Whitley, Fraser Bishop, Kiera Partridge Darling, Alex Barnes JM8+ E.L. Crossley JW8+ Brankson Hall Kennedy Keith, James Green, Lynden Whitley, Fraser (63kg) Natasha Goldman, Chloe Garnder, Emily Dart,Torie Darling, Chris Rusin, Connor Howey, Denver Parent, Williams, Fiona O Neill,Isobel Lees, Hannah Perev, Graeme McKinley, Alex Bernes Tanya Geggie, Alex Phillip-Reeves M8+ Shawnigan Lake School M4+ Shawnigan Lake School Sandy Morrison, Josh Gatcke, Travis Gronsdahl, Sandy Morrison, William Laumann Wallace, M. William Laumann Wallace, Bailey Walker, Theo Hughes-Mussio, Joshua Gatcke, Bailey Walker Kingdom, Hepkarabell Ismail, Sam Fleming, Max Tukuli Royal Canadian Henley Regatta // St. Catharines, Ontario // August 2 - 9, 2015 (Canadian Henley Gold winners)

W1x Layla Balooch (Burnaby Lake Rowing Club) W8+ Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Helena Hlas, Leanne Leder, Jessie Loutit, Alexandra LM2x Matthew Christie, Matthew Fournier (Ottawa Marchuk, Colleen Nesbitt, Amelie Rowing Club) Schumacher, Monica Tos, Brianna Walsh (Calgary Rowing Club) BLW1x Alanna Fogarty (Ottawa Rowing Club) U19W1x Miranda Leparskas (London Rowing Club) BM2x Daniel DeGroot, Nicholas Heffernan (St. Catharines Rowing Club) LM4 Calvin Bond (UWO)

BW2- Emily Gerson (UBC), Savannah Sami-Bacon LM4 Brent Duncan, Andrew Johnston, Jack (UBC) Summerhayes (UWO)

M1x Andrew Stewart-Jones (VCRC) M2- Trofym Anderson, Paul Thiessen (VCRC)

BLM1x Joshua King (Ottawa Rowing Club) LW2- Jessica Bateman, Lauren Goforth (UVic)

LW2x Boyes, Alexandra Stefanovski (UWO) BM1x Andre Pelletier (UWO)

18 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

U19M2x Logan Bagneres, Daniel Fraser-Maraun (Burn aby Lake Rowing Club) LM1xDASH Matthew Christie (Ottawa Rowing Club) ML1x Steve Van Knotsenburg (St. Catharines Rowi- ing Club) LW1xDASH Lilianne Page (Ottawa Rowing Club)

M4+64kg William Mayotte William Mulcahy, Kayleigh Ng, LM4x Matthew Christie, Matthew Fournier, Joshua Perseus Taylor, Orion Taylor (Brockville Rowing King, Julien L.Pouliot (Ottawa Rowing Club) Club) M1x64kg Sean Whitehall (Kingston Rowing Club) U19W2x Emma Flegel, Sarah Vantfoort (London Rowing Club) W4+52kg Caitlin Davidson, Evian Hayworth, Olivia Jose, Kate Maki, Sarah-Lyn St.Angelo BLM4- Taylor Ashwood, Jonathan Blaevic, James (St. Catharines Rowing Club) Potts, Harrison Vincent (St. Catharines Rowing Club) LW8+ Tara Barnett, Sawyer Bonin, Jasmine Carter, Anna Currie, Tiffany Dang, Megan Haley, LW1x Sydney Boyes (UWO) Alyssa Pastic, Jenna Pelham, Genevieve Vallee (Ottawa Rowing Club) BW2x Zoe Fettig-Winn, Rachel Vukovich (UBC) BM4- Mark Davies, Adam Donaldson, Thomas M2x Luc Brodeur, David Wakulich (Ridley Graduate Christopher Marshall, Mathew Szymanowski Boat Club) (UVic)

U17W4x Olivia Jose, Kate Maki, Anna Maloney, Emily BW4- Zoe Fettig-Winn, Emily Gerson, Savannah Stewart (St. Catharines Rowing Club) Sami-Bacon, Rachel Vukovich (UBC)

W4- Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Helena Hlas, M4x Fraser Berkout, Luc Brodeur, Christian Jessie Loutit, Amelie Schumacher (Calgary Debrowski, David Wakulich (Ridley Graduate Rowing Club) Boat Club)

LM2- Brent Duncan, Andrew Johnston (UWO) LW4x Alanna Fogarty, Dana Howell, Kristen King, Lilianne Page (Ottawa Rowing Club) BLM2x Charles-Li Benard, Joshua King (Ottawa Row ing Club) BW1x Layla Balooch (Burnaby Lake Rowing Club)

LW4- Nicole Gough, Alexandra Meiklejohn, Kaitlin BLW4- Jessica Bateman, Lauren Goforth, Deborah Nay, Emily Richardson (Argonaut Rowing Snell, Cate White (UVic) Club) M1xCHAMP Steven Van Knotsenburg (St. Catharines M1XDASH Paul Thiessen (VCRC) Rowing Club)

LM8+DASH Amy MacLean, Taylor Ashwood, Jonathan M8+CHAMP Fraser Berkout (Ridley Graduate Boat Club), Blazevic, Austin Cameron, Benjamin Cushnie, MacKenzie Copp (Western Rowing Club), James Potts, Reid Vassallo, Harrison Vincent, Daniel DeGroot (St. Catharines Rowing Club), Zach Whiteley (St. Catharines Rowing Club) David DeGroot (St. Catharines Rowing Club), Matthew Finley (St. Catharines Rowing Club), LW8+DASH Greta Chase, Sierra Chow, Amanda Dodaro, Emily Walker (St. Catharines Rowing Club) Nicole Gough, Bethany Grieve, Kaitlin Nay, Emily Richardson, Megan Stellato, Shona Taylor (Argonaut Rowing Club) 19 2015 RCA National Rowing Championships // St. Catharines, Ontario // October 8 - 10, 2015

M1x Rob Gibson (NTC) Gold W1x Carling Zeeman (NTC) Gold William Dean (NTC) Silver Layla Balooch (Rowing BC) Silver Julien Bahain (NTC) Bronze Alyssa Weninger (NTC) Bronze

LM1x Nicolas Pratt (NTC) Gold LW1x Elizabeth Fenje (NTC) Gold Eric Woelfl (NTC) Silver Kate Sauks (NTC) Silver Maxwell Lattimer (NTC) Bronze Kathryn Twyman (RowOntario) Bronze

BM1x Andre Pelletier (RowOntario) Gold BW1x Layla Balooch (Rowing BC) Gold Daniel De Groot (Row Ontario) Silver Larkin Huyer Davenport (RowOntario) Silver Graham Peeters (Row Ontario) Bronze Nicole Hare (NTC) Bronze

BLM1x Maxwell Lattimer (NTC) Gold BLW1x Larissa Werbicki (Saskatchewan Rowing) Gold Aaron Lattimer (Rowing BC) Silver Jill Moffatt (RowOntario) Silver Patrick Keane (Rowing BC) Bronze Cate White (Rowing BC) Bronze

JM1x Trevor Jones (RowOntario) Gold JW1x Yara Ensminger (RowOntario) Gold Ethan McAlpine (RowOntario) Silver Kendell Massier (Saskatchewan Rowing) Silver Nicholas Everett (Row Ontario) Bronze Emma Gray (Rowing Manitoba) Bronze

M2- Kai Langerfeld, William Crothers (NTC) Gold W2- Caileigh Filmer, Hillary Janssens Gold Mackenzie Copp, Aleks Marinovski Silver (Rowing BC) (RowOntario) Susanne Grainger, Natalie Mastracci (NTC) Silver Matthew Finley, David De Groot (RowOntario) Bronze Michelle Truax (RowOntario), Lynn Bronze Hancock (Rowing BC) BM2- Mackenzie Copp, Aleks Marinovski Gold (RowOntario) BW2- Caileigh Filmer, Hillary Janssens Gold Matthew Finley, David De Groot (RowOntario) Silver (Rowing BC) Taylor Ashwood, Grayson Gray (RowOntario) Bronze Savanna Sami-Bacon,Miranda Kirker Silver (Rowing BC) JM2- Brandan Andrews, Luke Gadsdon Gold Lauren Aiello, Zana Krakic (RowOntario) Bronze (RowOntario) Owen Voelkner, Nicholas Nero (Row Ontario) Silver JW2- Dana Durnford, Jennifer Clarke Gold Noah McDonald, Christopher Rusin Bronze (Rowing NB) (Row Ontario) LTAW2x/2- Lianne Gibson (NTC), Alexa Meiklejohn Gold (RowOntario) Victoria Nolan, Emily Jago (RowOntario) Silver

20 2016 Events JANUARY 9 CORA Regatta, Fanshawe Lake, London, ON 24 Monster Erg Indoor Rowing Championships, 16 – 17 Cascadia Masters Championships, Burnaby, BC Victoria, BC 21 – 24 BC Summer Games, Fort Langley, BC 28 – 31 RCA National Conference and Semi-Annual 10 RowOntario Masters Championships, North Course, Meeting, Ottawa, ON Welland, ON 23 – 24 RCA Canadian Masters Championships, Regina, SK FEBRUARY 23 – 24 RowOntario Championships, South Course, 6 Atlantic Indoor Rowing Championship, Dartmouth, NS Welland, ON 6 Québec Indoor Rowing Championships, Montreal, QC 31 – Aug 7 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, 7 Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships, St. Catharines, ON Mississauga, ON 11 Row Nova Scotia, AGM, Dartmouth, NS AUGUST 26 – 27 Alberta Rowing Association Coaches Conference, 3 Royal St. John’s Regatta, St. John’s, NL Edmonton, AB 6 – 14 Olympic Games Rowing Regatta, Rio de Janeiro, BRA 28 C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints World Indoor Rowing 18 – 21 USRowing Masters National Championships, Championship, Boston, MA Worcester, MA 19 – 20 NWIRA Championships, and Canada Games Test MARCH Regatta, Kenora, ON 5 Ontario Ergometer Championships, Ridley College, 20 Coastal Regatta, Alma, QC St. Catharines, ON 21 – 28 World Rowing Junior, Under 23 and Int’l Events 6 FISA National Federations’ Conference, London, GBR Champs, , NED 12 Alberta Rowing Association Ergometer 26 – 28 Masters Games Regatta, False Creek, Championships, Blackfalds, AB , BC (Dates TBC)

APRIL SEPTEMBER 2 – 3 San Diego Crew Classic, San Diego, CA 3 – 4 Calgary Rowing Club 50th Anniversary Celebrations 15 – 17 World Rowing Cup I, Varese, ITA 7 – 16 Paralympic Games Rowing Regatta, Rio de Janeiro, 16 – 17 Junior Assessment Camp (West), Burnaby Lake, BC BRA 8 – 11 World Rowing Masters Regatta, , DEN MAY 11 Coastal Regatta, Lachine, QC Apr 30 – 1 Junior Assessment Camp (East), London, ON 22 – 25 RCA National Rowing Championships & Canada Cup 13 – 14 , , PA Regatta, Burnaby, BC 14 – 19 U23 / Non-Olympic / FISU Selection Trials and Camp, TBA Western Invitational, Fanshawe Lake, London, ON Welland, ON 24 Head of the Welland Regatta, Welland, ON 21 Row Nova Scotia Icebreaker Regatta, Dartmouth, NS 25 Head of the Rideau Regatta, Ottawa, ON 22 – 25 FISA European and Final Olympic Qualification TBA RCA Annual Meeting and Elections Regatta, Lucerne, SUI 27 – 29 World Rowing Cup II, Lucerne, SUI OCTOBER 1 Regatta, Peterborough, ON JUNE TBA Brock Invitational, St. Catharines, ON 3 – 5 CSSRA Championships, St. Catharines, ON 15 – 16 Atlantic Rowing Champs / Atlantic University Champs, 6 – 9 Junior Selection Trials, Welland, ON Lochaber, NS 10 – 12 Bled International Regatta, Bled, SLO 21 – 23 World Rowing Coastal Championships, Monaco, MON 17 – 19 World Rowing Cup III, Poznan, POL TBA Guelph Invitational Regatta, Guelph, ON 25 Prairie Championships, Leduc, AB 22 – 23 Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston, MA 28 RCA Row Gold Gala (Olympic Send Off Event), 29 Really Chili Regatta, Dartmouth, NS Toronto, ON (Tentative) 29 – 30 Pensacola International Coastal Regatta, Pensacola, FL 29 – 3 July , Henley-on-Thames, GBR NOVEMBER JULY 5 – 6 CURA Championships, South Course, Welland, ON 2 – 3 La Finale ERA, Montréal, QC 26 – 27 RowOntario Training Conference and AGM, 8 – 10 Challenge West/BC Championships, Elk Lake, Mississauga, ON Victoria, BC 21

ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Joint Commission The 133rd Royal Canadian Henley Regat- eters were, also, supplied for athletes to all the Officials from coast to coast. Also ta was held from August 2 to 9, 2015, warm up and cool down. Both additions thanks to the Niagara Sports Commis- with 2,710 athletes (1,441 men and were very well received by athletes. The sion and Chimpanzee who have helped 1,269 women) competing for the Henley website continues to be a very important to continue the Henley Tradition. To our Gold medals. Despite one day of inclem- tool for the Regatta. Web cams allowed Commission members and our partners, ent weather that created delays, racing spectators to follow racing from their RCA and CHRC, thanks for all of your largely took place under sunny conditions hand held devices. support. allowing competiton to remain on track. Events like the Henley could not happen Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Entries came from Mexico, England, without volunteers and sponsors. The RCHRJC, Kuwait and across the USA and Cana- Regatta is very fortunate to have the best da. The Mendotta Rowing Club was this of both. With the Henley taking place just Bill Schenck: Commissioner year’s winner of the Henley Efficiency Tro- two short weeks after the Toronto 2015 Tim Rigby, Nancy Storrs: RCA phy. Ottawa had the most winning entries Pan Am Games, our volunteers were Representatives at nine. Once again this year, the under stretched to the limit but continued to Adam Burtnick, Serge Paquin: CHRC 19 mens single had 77 entries with a provide efficent and friendly services at Representatives wait list of athletes wanting to compete. both competitions. Kayla De Pauw: Treasurer Carole Price: Secretary New at Henley this year was a large The Henley Commission would like to Pete Scott: Regatta Chairman 40 x 80 athlete’s tent which provided a thank Pete Scott, the Regatta Chairman Ken Campbell: Chief Umpire reserved space for athletes to stay out of and his team of volunteers, as well as the elements in between races. Ergom- Ken Campbell, the Chief Umpire, and

23 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Allan Horne, Winnipeg, Man. Pan Am Games Regatta Umpires Committee Dave Derry, St. Catharines, Ont. World Rowing Championships, The 2013-2015 RCA Development Our Canadian umpires remain commit- Aiguebelette, France of Future FISA Umpires Program was ted to ensuring safety and fairness at all Mike Bagshawe, North Vancouver, BC completed in July with the FISA Umpire rowing competitions across the country World Rowing Masters Regatta, Examination held during the Pan Am and without their generosity and passion, , Games. This was a great success with it would not be possible. all six Canadian candidates certified as In addition to the above appointees, the FISA Umpires. Our objective was sur- Guylaine Bernier, Chair following were named by FISA as jury passed and this will help us to maintain a RCA Umpires Committee spares: world-class pool of umpires for selection Debbie Wood, Toronto, Ont. to international juries. Among the Canadi- RCA Umpires Awarded the FISA Pan Am Games Regatta listed North an FISA umpires selected by FISA to be International Umpire Licence American spare members of the 2016 FISA events juries, Mélanie Bryce, Chelsea, Que. Jim Marino, St. Catharines, Ont. it has been confirmed that Canada will Tim Henderson, Edmonton, Alta. World Rowing Under 23 Championships, have a representative on the Jury of the Ge-An Rijniersce, North Vancouver, BC Plovdiv, Bulgaria, listed No. 1 2016 Olympic Games Rowing Regatta. Alain Rochon, Boucherville, Que. non-European spare Andrew Smith, London, Ont. Brian Fiori, Kingston, Ont. To improve consistency and the high Derek Ventnor, Toronto, Ont. World Rowing Junior Championships, quality of umpiring at regattas in Cana- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, listed No. 3 da, the continued development of our RCA FISA Umpires appointed to serve non-European spare Umpiring Education Program is a top on FISA regatta juries in 2015 William Donegan, Toronto, Ont. priority. With the collaboration of the um- Thomas Blacquiere, Welland, Ont. World Coastal Rowing Championships, pire clinicians, considerable work on the World Rowing Cup 1, Bled, Slovenia Lima, Peru, listed non-European spare curriculum content has been achieved Philippe Colas, Montréal, Que. this year with a new approach based World University Games, Chungju, Korea Retiring FISA Umpire on clear progression and certification Ken Campbell, St. Catharines, Ont. Mike Bagshawe, North Vancouver, processes. The objective is to launch this Pan Am Games Regatta, St. Catharines B.C. new program in 2016. Charles Hauss, Lachine, Que. Pan Am Games Regatta

creating a web portal that would allow Safety and Events Committee sanction to be dealt with online, thereby removing the frustrations of the MAC/ PC incompatibility. This direction follows The Safety and Events Committee • Sanction was a major focus for the the lead of RowOntario. [SEC] remains a tight-knit and effective SEC: we put considerable work into • We have carried out the reporting on group. SEC communicates primarily by the enterable-PDF sanction document, the National Regattas, and have pro email, uses conference calling, however but have not been able to resolve the vided the second level of sanction on the prime vehicle for dealing with our MAC/PC compatibility issue. During our those regattas. business is a September face-to-face face-to-face meeting in September [at • SEC responded in a timely fashion meeting. The SEC has carried out all which CEO Donna Atkinson was pres- to any requests that were made of the the duties required by their Terms of ent for one day], we made the decision committee. Specifically, we were asked Reference. to have the RCA Office take the lead in for an opinion on the hosting of the 24 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

National Rowing Championships by St guidelines. Catharines, and for a recommendation • We continue to monitor the progress to the Board in regards to the bids of RowOntario with regard to the con- received for the hosting of the 2016 to cept of regatta streams and appropriate 2018 NRC Regatta. sanction requirements; it is our hope that this can be implemented across Dealing with the work required of the the country. SEC within our budget constraints has • We have been requested to provide provided challenges; those challenges input on the content for the RCA safety have been met. video. • We shall continue to respond to que- Going forward, the SEC has tasks ries related to safety and sanction. mandated within the Terms of Refer- • A new initiative is the monitoring of ence that will be addressed during the sanction approval for local regattas. upcoming year: sanction review, na- The genesis of this initiative is to ensure tional regatta reporting and sanctioning, that there are no anomalies in how the NTC safety reviews, maintenance of the P/TRA’s apply sanction. We will be regatta manual, and maintenance of the approaching PAC for lists of regattas safety guidelines. that took place in their provinces during • SEC will follow through with RCA to 2015. From these lists a number of complete the on-line sanction portal. regattas will be chosen for review. • We are currently revising the template used for NTC safety reviews, to en- Mike Bagshaw sure that it aligns with the ECA safety Chair, Safety and Events Committee

Looking ahead, CURA is working closely with RCA to solidify an ongoing partner- Canadian University Rowing ship in support of the World University Championships becoming an integral part of the RCA International Event circuit. Association In 2016, the World University Champion- ships will be held in Poznan, Poland. 2015 marked the 18th year of the (Hilary Jansen of UBC – Women, Matt Canadian University Rowing Association Finley of Brock – Men) were named. Elections for the position of President (CURA). In that time the association These athletes were highlighted from a and Secretary also took place in 2015. has grown to its present number of 21 long list of student-athlete rowers that Peter Somerwil stepped down this year Universities separated into three leagues; represented Canada throughout the year. as President however will continue in the Canada West, OUA, and Canada East. role of Past President. Craig Pond of the An event that CURA was directly respon- University of will act as The past year has marked a significant sible for was leading the Canadian team the newly elected president. Aalbert Van time in the history of the CU. The asso- to the FISU World University Games in Schothorst of the University of Victoria ciation has moved on from its previous Gwangju, South Korea. The Canadian will take responsibility of the position of priorities of amending and ratifying a contingent of 22 athletes, 3 coaches and secretary. They will join Volker Nolte (VP constitution and playing regulations to 1 support staff competed at the mul- CURC) and Liz Chisholm (VP Eligibility) to expanding our network of Championship tisport games located at the site of the form this year’s CURA executive. sites. In 2015, the Canadian University 2013 World Championships. Coaches Rowing Championships were held in An- in attendance were Dan Bechard (Lead CURA is also committed to improving its tigonish, Nova Scotia. This marked the coach and women’s head coach), image and online presence. Through first time in its history that the event has Amanda Schweinbenz (Heavyweight the help of communications staff at RCA, been held east of Montreal, showing the men and Lightweight men’s sweep), and CURA has managed to publish four CU is a league that truly represents Can- Ed Fournier (lightweight men’s ). articles, update the University page on ada from coast to coast. The success The overall placement of the crews was the RCA site as well as secure a spot at of this event was due to the relentless highlighted by a 4th place finish by the the 2016 RCA Coaches Conference to work of St. Francis Xavier University, women’s 4- of Beth Connell (UVIC/West- speak about the challenges new Univer- Katie Edwards (St. FX Head Coach) and ern), Catherine Multari (Western), Jessie sity student athletes face as they move to Row Nova Scotia. Western University Loutit (University of Calgary/Western), school for the first time. CURA’s media was crowned both Men’s and Women’s and Chloe DesRoche (Queens). Domes- representative in 2015 was Dan Bechard team champion. In addition, coaches tic support was provided by Mike Pearce (Western University) and will continue in (Matt Waddell – Women, Pete Somerwil (UBC) and Peter Somerwil (Brock), and this role in 2016. – Men) and student-athletes of the year administrative support by RCA. Dan Bechard, CURA 25 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

In Recognition

In Memoriam

Justin Fryer, Past President and Honorary Officer, RCA

Fred Loek, Photographer

Jon Robert Pearce Member of the 1958 British Empire and team

Ross Sherwood, Member of the Vancouver Rowing Club

William (Bill) Tooker, Member and past president of Brockville Rowing Club Long Service Recognition

André Binda 60 years Ed Fournier 30 years Fred Marlow 55 years Julia Fournier 30 years Tim Rigby 50 years Christopher Young 30 years John Armitage 50 years Kevin Boyes 25 years Brian Storosko 40 years Carol Purcer 20 years Dolores Young 40 years Peter Scott 20 years Ernst Peters 35 years Charles Thornton 20 years David Blakey 30 years Pat Weir 15 years Brian Fisher 30 years 26 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Rowing Canada Aviron Board & Organization

Board of Directiors Nominating Committee Mike Walker, President Carol Hemansen, Chair Coach Education and Jon Beare, Athlete Director Peter Jackson Development Committee Rick Crooker, Director Ian Gordon Volker Nolte Joel Finlay, Director Stephen Murray Howard Campbell Andrew Fitzgerald, Director Peter Cookson Brian Lamb, Director (Treasurer) Human Resources Committee Peter Shakespear Carol Purcer, Provincial Director Mike Walker, Chair Ashley Lewis Brian Lamb Jill Wurflinger Officers Andrew Lamont Neala MacDonald Mike Walker, President Jen Parfitt Brian Lamb, Treasurer Audit Committee Donna Atkinson, CEO Joel Finlay, Chair Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Joint Sid Murdoch, Secretary Brian Lamb Commission Tom Hawker Bill Schenck, Commissioner Honorary Officers Jeffrey Lay Nancy Storrs, RCA Member Claude Sunders (1912 - 2007) Tim Rigby, RCA Member Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Murphy Umpires Committee Adam Burtnik, CHRC Member Justin Fryer (1940 - 2015) Guylaine Bernier, Chair Serge Paquin, CHRC Member Donna Bliss Kayla DePauw, Treasurer Provincial Advisory Council Tim Henderson Carole Price, Secretary Carol Purcer, Chair and Provincial Sandi Krby Director Alain Rochon Tom Blacquiere Judy Sutcliffe Michael Gibson Dave Derry Doreen Hamlyn Peter Walsh Safety and Events Committee Peter Jackson Mike Bagshawe, Chair John Oxley Matteo Cendamo Kelly Malcolmson Sam Fisher Peter Webster Carol Purcer Doug Zolinski Derek Ventnor Avrion Québéc (to be confirmed) Dave Derry

27 ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Rowing Canada Aviron

321 - 4371 Interurban Rd. Victoria BC V9E 2C5 Toll-free: 1.877.722.4769 Fax: 1.250.220.2503

www.rowingcanada.org

facebook.com/rowingcanada @rowingcanada

PHOTO CREDITS - Rowing Canada Aviron Annual Report 2015 Front cover, pages 5, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22, 24, 25 - Katie Steenman Pages 2, 12 - Kevin Light Pages 17, 18 - Renate Hodges 28

ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

A tribue to Justin Fryer Past President and Honorary Officer Rowing Canada Aviron May 12, 1940 – April 18, 2015

Maple Bay, South . Stunningly beautiful on a late fall afternoon.

Water calm, not a cloud in the sky, the surrounding hills of the Gulf Islands rounding down gracefully into a picturesque waterscape of bays and channels.

Get the map. Is this Paradise? If not, we must be close. Amazed, we stand and stare and breathe and think: if we had scenery like this at home we'd never go anywhere.

Maple Bay is a waterside community looking south across a wide body of water toward the rolling contours of famous Saltspring Island.

It has a rowing club, small by many standards, but with an active program. Justin coaches rowing here, has been for some years and loves it. He gains great joy coaching some of the local high school students. He takes them out in this astonishing place of peace and beauty and teaches them to move a boat smoothly and in rhythm.

He's out coaching now. We can see him off in the distance with two crews -- fours, it looks like -- resting on their oars as if taking instructions. We hear his voice far across the water followed by a faint ring of girlish laughter, enchanting, ethereal. The little flotilla gets underway and moves off, oars glinting in the westering sun, moving away toward a blue sky channel into a sealight radiance which is as far as we can see and where we have to bid farewell and leave him...

Justin and his junior girls wearing their school colours: Queen of Angels.

Written by: Jim Wiggins, Past Secretary Rowing Canada Aviron ROWING CANADA AVIRON // ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Appendix Canadian Amatuer Rowing Association Financial Statements

31