Rowing gaining in popularity at PT
Believe it or not, the oldest intercollegiate sport is rowing, not football as you might expect. It’s no surprise why rowing is so popular and durable of a sport. Not only does rowing provide a no-impact, full-body exercise, it’s also a great team sport that allows participants to increase self-awareness and confidence, build lasting relationships and achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Today, there are over 17 local competitive high school rowing teams and over 147 post-secondary schools that offer scholarships for rowing. One of these teams is the Peters Township Rowing Club, a club-level team that offers rowing to local boys and girls in the South Hills area. The team was founded last year by a group of parents, led by Judith Alexander, after a two-week Learn-to-Row Camp last spring.
Since the team is not affiliated with the high school, anyone is free to join. The team has over 20 members from local high schools such as Peters Township, Canon-McMillan and Elizabeth Forward. The team’s coach is Stephanie Zang. A skilled rower, she competed in high school and on Ithaca College’s varsity rowing team since her freshman year.
Currently, the team practices at the Venetia School three days a week. During the spring, the team will practice at the Montour Boat House. While training is throughout the year, interested students can join at any time during the season. In the winter, the Peters Township Rowing Club participates in indoor sprint competitions that allow athletes to compete against students from other schools. College recruiters come to competitions such as these to see stats on each athlete’s performance. Over 147 colleges (including local colleges like Robert Morris and Duquesne universities) offer rowing scholarships, many of which go unclaimed every year.
As a new organization, the team has to purchase expensive rowing equipment such as boats, oars, boat lights, cox boxes and safety equipment. Because of this, the team is looking for sponsors. Those interested in joining the Peters Township Rowing Club or becoming a sponsor should visit ptrowingclub.weebly.com or email ptrowingclub@gmail.com. Alternatively, funds may be donated through the club’s GoFundMe account, www.gofundme.com/hyjsv4j8.
Stephanie Wang is a junior at Peters Township High School.