Students and faculty are recruiting members in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Rowing Club (RMRC) to start a rowing club at DU within the coming months.
Jeff Hoskins, a second-year graduate student at the Daniel’s College of Business, was approached in early fall by Daniel’s business professor Joe Colosimo about starting a rowing group. Coach Jim Erwin, who rode crew at University of California-Irvine, and 1984 Olympic gold medalist Brad Lewis have helped in initiating plans for the rowing club.
The opportunity to row again was particularly appealing to Hoskins, who rode crew when he attended Colorado University-Boulder from 1998-2002 and used to be on a travelling team.
“I went to Boston and Philadelphia, and California,” said Hoskins. “But it’s been four years since I last rowed. I am very eager to start a club.”
This past week Hoskins and Erwin have been on Driscoll Bridge recruiting rowers. According to Hoskins, they had great success with 37 sign-ups on Thursday. Both men and women are encouraged to apply.
According to Hoskins, senior RMRC members are providing sponsorship, coaching, possibly financial aid for renting boats and broad support and guidance.
Still, much of the vision has also come from Hoskins’ previous rowing experience.
“Ultimately, I would like to have a club at DU like the one at CU-Boulder,” said Hoskins.“CU-Boulder’s rowing club is now well established, and has probably over 75 rowers, novice and varsity.”
“I image it that it will take at least a couple years to firmly establish the club,” said Hoskins. “So far we have about 40 students who have shown interest, and we’ll be recruiting more. We’ll have a boys and girls team, then as we get more rowers the best rowers go into an A boat, then B boat, C, etc.”
Hoskins likes that rowing is a team sport and a way to get fit. Many activities are already being planned for the rowing club, starting as early as this winter break.
“We’ll be having winter workout sessions,” said Hoskins. “We’re planning on going snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, for example.”
Apart from breaking a sweat this winter, a learn-to-row camp is scheduled to take place in early March at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, where they will be rowing. According to Hoskins the training session should be really useful for new and former rowers, especially with the future he sees with the club.
“Our goal, besides getting to club on its feet, is to be competing against other universities and clubs in regattas in the spring [of 2013],” said Hoskins.
Hoskins also aspires for the club to travel nationally.
“By next fall I would like to see us travelling to regional fall ‘head’ competitions (5,000 meters) in California, the North-East and the Midwest,” said Hoskins.
Interested in rowing? Stop by Driscoll Bridge this week to join the rowing club or visit their Facebook group, University of Denver Rowing, for more information.
