Rowing

After 8 months of training, ergs, lactic acid, pain, early mornings, long, hard workouts, and all those hours perfecting a stroke, all Canadian highschool rowers gather at Henley Island for one pain staking race: Schoolboy. Rowing takes determination and commitment when being a member of a boat which depends on every single person.

Months of training pay off for all rowers near the end of April when the races begin. The first race starting the season off is the Early Bird Regatta, then following Early Bird is the Mother's Day Regatta.

Governor Simcoe is known for having an excellent rowing program. Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12's are all encouraged to come out and be a part of one of Simcoe's successful teams. In charge of the Simcoe rowing program is Mr. Tim Tope. Mr. Tope is just one of the many coaches who volunteers his own time to help train the athletes.

Women's rowing is coached by Kathy and Dave Boyes, Mr. Al Shynal and Joe Cosby, who are all dedicated to working with the athletes to improve their skills and fitness.

This year, in the women's program, there will be boats of 4's and 8's consisting of the Sr. Women's Heavy 8+, Sr. Women's Lightweight 4+, Jr. Women's Heavy 8+, Jr. Women's Heavy 4+ and the Jr. Women's Mid-weight 4+.

Throughout the season many races take place, but nothing compares to racing in the Schoolboy Regatta, that is held on June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Many high schools participate from around Canada, but only a few of the crews get the chance to move on to finals, in the hopes to win gold.

In the past years Governor Simcoe crews have had the chance to stand on the podium or the grandstands and this year we are hoping to be just as successful. Not only is rowing a physical sport but it also challenges the rowers mentally. It is true when they say"Champions are made from Oarsmens".

The Governor Simcoe Rowing Program continued its 5 year tun as the #1 rowing school in St. Catharines at the Canadian High School Rowing Championships. Simcoe placed 4th overall in the country in the overall points championship and placed 3rd overall in the men's category. A total of 144 schools competed in this event.

Winning crews included the Jr. Men's 72kg 8+ and the Jr. Men's 66kg 4+. Silver medals went to the Junior Womens 4+ and the Senior Mens 72 kg 4+. This boat narrowly missed the coveted Triple Crown by taking Gold at the Stotesbury Cup and U.S. Schoolboy Regattas. The Senior Women's 8+ picked up a bronze medal in the final women's event of the day.

Congratulations to all athletes and coaches for an excellent season.