Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) has launched a new Raiders Rowing Club to give students another way to stay active and compete.
Despite only being a week old, the club already has more than two dozen participants.
Principal, Jeremy Blais, said rowing offers students a new challenge.
“We have a lot of different opportunities for students to be a part of,” said Blais. “Rowing is something many of our athletes can use to keep training for their other sports.”
The club also benefits from the experienced leadership of Michelle Lopez, a school counsellor and rowing coach. Lopez brings knowledge and enthusiasm to the program.
“Rowing is a great sport that’s accessible to everyone,” said Lopez. “You don’t need experience to try it. It’s low impact, great for cardio, and builds power and endurance.”
The club welcomes students from all athletic backgrounds.
“We currently have 36 club members from basketball, volleyball, hockey, and swimming,” said Lopez. “It’s a great way to cross-train and try something new.”
Rowing offers students the chance to compete at both indoor and outdoor levels. Currently, the focus is on indoor rowing, but future opportunities are growing.
“There’s an Alberta and Saskatchewan indoor rowing championship in March,” said Lopez. “For now, we’re building skills and preparing students for competition.”
Nigel McCarthy, director of education for the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, praised the sport’s benefits.
“Rowing builds teamwork, balance, and grace,” said McCarthy. “It’s all-inclusive and can be done indoors all winter before moving outdoors in spring.”
For students like Grade 11 rower Evie Hage, the sport is about more than competition.
“The people in rowing are amazing,” said Hage. “They’re always happy and welcoming. I was encouraged to try it, and now I love it.”
Hage enjoys the challenge and camaraderie.
“It’s a great cardio workout, and you get to be part of a team,” she said. “It’s also much warmer indoors.”
The club aims to grow in the coming years following the success of other school sports. That leads them to open up for participation in the coast-to-coast competition on
Feb. 24.
Students, staff and parents are welcome to come take in the boathouse. They can then participate by logging a few miles towards the goal of rowing from coast to coast.
The event happens Feb. 24 at HRHS between 5-7 p.m.
“We hope the future is bright for rowing,” said Lopez. “This is just the beginning of something great.”
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