Ohio Valley Rowing Club

Welcome

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.

Join the club

If you are unfamiliar with rowing and would like to learn more or if you are a seasoned veteran who wants to review technique, this club is for you.

Ohio Valley Rowing Club is a strong, cooperative, community organization dependent upon proactive volunteerism. Volunteerism may include helping with boathouse tasks, assisting with the organization and execution of regattas and programs, or donating needed and unique skills. Contact us to learn more about current volunteer opportunities.

OVRC is designed as a competitive rowing team while still having the capability to teach the new rower. Rowers will be grouped together according to skill level and coached accordingly. Rowers will earn seats in racing boats. Priority is to field the fastest boats possible in all categories.

Youth Programs

Open to all area high school students aged 13-18

The purpose of OVRC Youth Rowing program is to teach rowing to the youth of the Ohio Valley and to provide an opportunity to compete in local and regional regattas. Youth are taught the fundamentals of rowing, are coached in the finer points of rowing technique and are guided in physical conditioning.

OVRC provides coaching, equipment, administration and helps to establish parent participation. We encourage new members whether they receive support from a school or not. Anyone is welcome!

Youth rowers from several schools have the opportunity to practice together, which provides more flexibility in boat selection and enhances a quality rowing experience and rower development.

Adult Programs

Recreational or Beginners Lessons

The program offers adult rowers the opportunity to row in a structured environment with whoever they choose, if anyone at all. Also, adult rowers have the freedom to row any time they choose and enjoy full access to the Club's facilities.

Contact Jon Apgar for information on the adult program: 304-488-3082

Ohio Valley Rowing Club Coaching staff

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.