MYSTIC, Conn., February 3, 2012 — The National Rowing Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce that at its 2012 Annual Meeting Marcia Hooper and Jamie Koven were elected Co-Chairs of the Board of the NRF. Anne Martin and Dick Cashin who stepped down as Co-Chairs have both joined the Executive Committee of the Board. The Directors and Trustees were highly grateful for all the contributions made by Dick and Anne during their ten year tenure and welcomed Marcia and Jamie. Jamie Koven has deep understanding of competitive rowing spanning over three decades. He is currently training for the 2012 Olympics and competed in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. Jamie rowed at St. Paul’s School and at Brown University, where he rowed to three national championships. He began his international racing career in 1990 as member of the Junior National Team and was a member of the US National Team from 1993 through 2000. Jamie won the world championships twice, in the Eight in 1994 and in the Single in 1997. Jamie is a Partner at One Equity Partners and in 2009 was appointed a Steward of the Henley Royal Regatta. Marcia Hooper is dedicated supporter of rowing and has been involved with the sport since the mid-1970’s when she helped launch Brown Women’s Crew program. She has remained involved with Brown University serving as Co-President of the Friends of Brown Women’s Crew; she is member of the President’s Advisory Council on Athletics and an officer of the Brown University Sports Foundation. She is a Director of the Head of the Charles Regatta, and formerly served as Treasurer of the NRF. “Dick and I could not be more excited to have two such talented people step up to chair the NRF. Jamie’s commitment to the sport of rowing and his deep personal knowledge of the needs of US Rowing is a great asset. Marcia’s strengths in business, organization and fundraising will be highly valued as the NRF seeks to meet the needs of our Senior and Junior National Team athletes in rowing.” said Anne Martin. About the National Rowing Foundation: The National Rowing Foundation was founded in 1966 to raise funds to support international competition for rowers representing the United States of America. In its 45-year history it has grown to support rowers at all levels, Olympic, Senior, Under-23, and Junior National teams. The NRF raises funds to cover the cost of travel, equipment, training, facilities and other support where needed through US Rowing. Through the efforts of the NRF over $20MM has been donated to support our USA athletes in their pursuit of excellence and winning. The NRF also oversees and manages the National Rowing Hall of Fame and the Museum of Rowing History in Mystic, Conn. Please visit https://natrowing.org for more information. ### For additional information: Mara Keggi Ford (203) 525-6566 National Rowing Foundation; E-mail: [email protected]

It’s finally here! 2012 means for us, first and foremost, the year of the London Olympic Games. The Opening Ceremonies are less than 200 days away, nearing closer and closer. The women’s team is currently training at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA and we are loving it! The weather is perfect, the lake is beautiful and we are all looking less and less pale each day (I hope!). The facilities here are quite incredible, all the physical therapy we could wish for is right next door, limitless meals are provided for, and we are all able to stay on site for the full length of the training camp. So,  definitely nothing to complain about! Except perhaps a lack of transportation, but many of the women have chosen to rent cars while we’re here.

Last week all the rowers here were required to participate in the USOC’s Olympic Ambassador Program. The highlight was definitely having the opportunity to meet some incredible Olympians. Bob Kaehler (the rowing world definitely recognizes his name), Dan O’Brien (Olympic Gold Medalist in the Decathlon) and Connie Paraskevin (five-time Olympian in cycling and speed skating) were the appointed ambassadors who led the program and did a great job. Hearing about their athletic careers and accounts of what the Olympic Games are like was really cool, especially for those of us who haven’t been.

Training is going well, we’re working hard and looking forward to racing at NSRs in mid-March.

Until next time, thanks for all your support of the NRF!

We’re eight weeks into the Olympic year and it’s already time for the first round of selection. First, it’s unbelievable to me that eight weeks have gone by. It feels like I was flying home from Bled just yesterday, antsy for the training cycle to begin. This fall, while challenging at times for everyone in regards to injury, new technique and cold temperatures, we’ve logged some solid miles. But now it’s time to prove it. I’ve never raced in a fall speed order before, so I’m eager to see what it’s all about. I’m definitely looking forward to having more rowers around, just watching the Princeton Chase was a blast. Hopefully the weather will hold up and it won’t be too windy! Although I do like headwinds…

The West Coast Fall Speed Order starts tomorrow morning with a good ol’ 6k erg followed by a 6k on the water on Friday. Here is the link to USRowing for more info and here is the RegattaCentral link to view entries.

The East Coast Fall Speed Order starts Saturday afternoon with a 6k erg test and then a 4.5k row (or however short you can make the course with the big turn) on Sunday morning. Here is the USRowing link and the RegattaCentral link for entries.

In any case, should be an interesting next couple of days and help determine what’s in store these next couple of months for Team USA.

Check back for some video and interviews with national team members.

Until next time!

It’s that time of year again, finally! It’s the only rowing event in the US, where thousands of people come to watch. Plus, this year is especially exciting because we missed last year due to Worlds being so late. Unfortunately, none of the women are racing like we had originally hoped but at least we get to go. Although I would much rather race, this will be my first year as a spectator and I can’t wait to see all the collisions… I mean, fasboats. And, the weather is supposed to be beautiful, much different than our last Charles experience complete with snow and sleet back in 2009.

There are a few exciting things coming up for the NRF. The annual National Team Alumni Reception and Reunion is this Saturday in Boston, so come stop by between 4 and 6:30 pm. Then, on November 30 the NRF is co-hosting the Golden Oar Awards (for the first time!) with USRowing. You can find more information about the event here: https://www.usrowing.org/Events/GoldenOarsDinner.aspx.

Hope to see you there and thanks for all your support, you make our journey possible day in and day out!