Do you miss Rowing? Here’s a Great Way to Get Back on the Water
Miss being on the water, the camaraderie, the intensity of races? Consider becoming a US Rowing Referee. US Rowing is in dire need of referees right now and could use your help to run races like the ones OSU is competing in this spring. (If you got a couple old teammates to join you, it might be even more fun!) Here is an article from OSU alum Andy Everett ‘88, one of many OSU alum referees, about why he does it:
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Why I became a referee:
I’ve been a referee for over 20 years and involved with rowing almost 40 years. My why starts with my journey to rowing. I came out early to Oregon State in the Spring of 1985 to gain residency. I was staying at Beaver Lodge Co-op not far from the boathouse. I came back from work one day to see a car from Massachusetts in the parking lot. It was USRowing wanting to use the house during the summer for the 1985 Womens Olympic Development Camp. So I learned about rowing from elite rowers and coaches. Heard stories of the 80 and 84 Olympics from the coaches. Did several ride alongs with the coaches. I loved the water. Being out there on the water and watching the focus, determination, and camaraderie. So I walked on. It was not too long after that I felt at home and loved the feeling of community. That community helped this young man as he ventured far from home. My time on the team shaped me. I learned about teamwork and that I wasn’t alone. Having a family away from home helped me thrive at college.
I went back home for a time, always wanting to come back to the PNW. When I did I wanted to get back involved with the sport that I left. One of my work colleagues was a masters coxswain and a rowing referee. She convinced me to join. I continue to referee to give back to the sport that has been a foundation of who I have become. I’ve also expanded my involvement to include founding a head race (American Lake Fall Classic), Regatta Director, Board member of several clubs, equipment manager, program coordinator. I have gained several rowing families along the way – referee corp, Commencement Bay Rowing Club (where I started coxing again), and Seize the Oar Foundation (where I coach and am program coordinator.)
Beaver rowing has several active referees beside myself – Scott Woodworth and Kris Grudt. Chris Lang is another, however, she retired a few years ago. All three have contributed to the referee I am today. Referee is the 2nd best seat in the house. The first being a coxswain’s seat.
Please consider joining us. If you’d like more information, you can contact me at andrew.todd.everett@gmail.