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OVRC


Ohio Valley Rowing Club




Ohio Valley Rowing Club

Mission Statement: The Ohio Valley Rowing Club seeks to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Mid - Ohio Valley by promoting the sport of rowing. Our goal is to contribute to better health and develop character, through the unique "blend of individual and team effort that rowing requires. We are committed to continually developing and enhancing programs, improving existing facilities, and enlisting additional volunteer support to accomplish our Mission.

OVRC Objectives

The objectives of the Ohio Valley Rowing Club are to:

  • Provide competitive programs and recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages, from twelve year olds to seniors.

  • Provide programs for the mentally and physically challenged.

  • Continue renovation and restoration the old Parkersburg Wat er Treatment plant to a first class rowing and training facility that will be a significant asset to the community.

  • Expand membership in the Ohio Valley Rowing Club, and it's programs.

  • Focus on the benefits of rowing for our youth.

  • Encourage recreational rowing by offering boat storage to any oared or paddled craft.

  • Enhance the image of Parkersburg and the surrounding area.

OVRC Coaching staff

Poncho Alfonso Morales

Head Coach in charge of the sweep program (8's and 4's)


Summary of Coaching and Rowing Achievements

  • 18 years with Marietta HS 1990-2007.

6 Mid-West Scholastic Regional Team Championships. 5 Girls. 1 Boys. Total medal count from Mid-West Regional Championship not kept due to overwhelming numbers. (Over 600 individual medals) Varsity 8 medals. Girls V-8, 6 Gold Medals. Boys V-8, 1 Gold Medal, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze. GLT-8, 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze. BLT-8, 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals at Mid-West Scholastic Regional Championships. Total boats qualified thru Mid-West Regional Championships to Scholastic Championships; 56 (low estimate since we averaged 3-4 boats each year at MHS) 12 boats qualified to the finals at SRAA (top 6 at nationals) 4 boats medalled at nationals (top 3 at nationals) (This does not include regular season regattas or boats other than Varsity 8’s)

  • Summer 1999.

Attended a Coaching and Training camp with Todd Jesdale Head Coach Junior National Men’s Team

  • Summer 1993.

Met with Al Morrow Head Coach Canadian National Women’s Team. We discussed training, rowing technique and rigging. He provided me with tapes of Canada’s National Team practices and races. Canadian Women were undefeated 3 years at the world level.

  • Summer 1989, 1990, 1991.

Volunteer Coach for the Junior National Women’s Team

  • Spring Break.

Mike Thompson Canadian Junior National Development Team Coach has brought many rowers to Marietta over the past several years during their spring break. I have spent as much time as possible watching and discussing rowing with him.

  • 2 years with Marietta College Women Fall 1988-1989

Varsity 8 Defeated Michigan 1989

Varsity 8 won SIRA, Light Weight 8, 3rd. place 1989

Frosh/Novice 8 undefeated Fall of 1989. Won the Frostbite and Braxton Regatta in Philly Invited to San Diego Crew Classic spring 1990

  • 3 years with Parkersburg HS

Boys Varsity 8, 2 Gold Medals. Won Mid-West Regional Championship 1986 and 1987

5th. Place National Championships 1987

Rowing experience.

  • The University of Charleston 4 years. 1977-1981

Gold Medal at Dad-Vail, SIRA, MACRA and WV Governors Cup 1978

Silver Medal at Dad-Vail, SIRA, and WV Governors Cup 1981

All as stroke of the varsity light weight 4

  • Parkersburg Catholic HS 4 years 1974-1977

Stroke position Varsity 8 1976-1977

2 position Varsity 8 1975

4 position JV 8 1974. I made the JV 8 as a freshman novice rower



Poncho Barrie Thornton

Assistant Head coach in charge of sculling. (1x,2x,4x)

Summary of Coaching and Rowing Achievements

  • Graduate of Craftsbury sculling school.

  • Former Parkersburg South HS Coach.

OVRC History

Dr. Oliver H. Brundage introduced the sport of rowing to the Parkersburg area in 1960. Since that time there have been well over a thousand high school and college athletes participate in the sport through the Ohio Valley Rowing Club and member teams. The Ohio Valley Rowing Club is committed to continuing Dr. Brundage' s vision of having one of the finest rowing programs in the East.Read more about Dr. Burndage and the history of rowing in the Mid-Ohio Valley.