DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – As rowing events get underway at the Summer Games, a Dayton-based rowing team is excited for the interest the Olympics will generate around the sport.
“We are a little club but we’re so mighty,” masters team member Melissa McQueen said.
McQueen rowed in college. Two years ago, she decided to pick up the oar once again and join the Dayton Boat Club.
“I’m middle aged and I picked up rowing after not rowing for 26 years and I’m back in the swing of things,” McQueen said.
The Dayton Boat Club has around 30 members on its master team and 15 on its novice team. The club practices year-round, rowing in eight-person boats on the Great Miami River multiple days per week.
“I can’t think of a more of a team sport because if some person is off in the boat, it has a ripple effect for everyone in the boat,” McQueen said.
Ages on the Dayton Boat Club range from 21 to 67.
Daniel Raimondi, head masters coach, said the team welcomes all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, as long as they’re willing to put in the work.
“It takes a lot of leg strength, it takes a lot of dedication,” Raimondi said. “Rowing is a full body sport. It starts all the way from your legs, swing through the body, and then continue with your arms so you get a full stroke.”
Chaminade Julienne’s Molly Bruggeman readies to row for the gold in Paris The club is also getting ready to cheer on one of their own in the Olympics. Former Dayton Boat Club member, and Chaminade Julienne graduate, Molly Bruggeman will compete for Team USA in Paris.
“This club has been very small at one point and it’s just exciting to see how much it’s grown and how what kind of legacy we’re leaving on the sport,” Raimondi said.
The Dayton Boat Club competes in around six races per year. Last year, the team went to the national championship for the first time last year and made it to the grand final.
“There is no better feeling in the world than knowing you’ve accomplished something, especially when you get a medal and this team really likes to medal,” Raimondi said.
Even if you’ve never rowed before, or think you have no athletic ability, McQueen said the team has a spot for everyone.
“If you’re at home on the couch, you should like, come and give us a try, give us a weekend,” McQueen said. “We might change your mind. You might be a rock star.”
The Dayton Boat Club is hosting two “Learn to Row” sessions for anyone interested in trying the sport. The first is August 16 through the 18 and the second is August 23 through the 25.
The sessions go over techniques, safety and boat handling. For more information on how to register, click here .
The Dayton Boat Club is also hosting a fundraiser 5K run/row on September 14.
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