Students at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) got a rare opportunity to try their hand at rowing during a full day of indoor training sessions led by the Saskatchewan provincial rowing coach and visiting university athletes.
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The session was led by Richard Paterson, Saskatchewan’s provincial rowing coach, who travelled to Lloydminster on Feb. 6 with university-level rowers to introduce students to the sport and demonstrate how rowing can complement a wide range of athletic pursuits.
“The goal is to share the sport of rowing and show how it can transcend individual sports, especially as an off-season training option,” said HRHS student counsellor and rowing coach Michelle Lopez. “Rowing is a great endurance and strength sport that complements many other sports, and we’re also hoping to identify future athletes who could excel in rowing.”
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
Holy Rosary is currently the only school in Saskatchewan with a school-based rowing club. The program operates alongside the Lloydminster Rowing Club, with both groups training out of the same facility under the direction of head coach Shelby Lane. Coaching responsibilities for the high school club are shared, with a focus on flexibility and inclusion.
“We run it as a club, not a team,” Lopez explained. “Our main goals are inclusion, connection and belonging. We have about 50 students signed up, but attendance is flexible and students can come when they’re able.”
Throughout the day, Paterson and the visiting athletes worked with approximately 160 students across five different classes, ranging from sport-focused phys ed to general wellness classes, before finishing the day with members of the Holy Rosary rowing club.
“It’s been an amazing day,” said Lopez. “Most students walked in knowing nothing about rowing and walked out saying, ‘That was actually fun.’ t”
Paterson, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience, said the variety of students made the day especially rewarding.
“We’ve worked with very sporty groups, music and arts students, gym classes, and now a group that has rowed before,” he said. “At the start of each session, we take time to understand the group in front of us and tailor our approach. It’s been a fantastic experience.”
Originally from Australia, Paterson is best known for coaching at the elite level, including Olympic-calibre athletes. He said rowing is uniquely positioned as a development sport because it builds both cardiovascular fitness and strength.
“Rowing uses about 86 per cent of the muscles in your body,” Paterson explained. “It’s one of the few sports that is both a cardio sport and a strength-endurance sport. Even doing a small amount of rowing can significantly benefit performance in other sports.”
Paterson also emphasized the importance of sport diversity for young athletes.
“I’m a big believer in kids not specializing too early,” he said. “Rowing is one of the best off-season sports I’ve ever come across.”
Among the visiting athletes were university rowers Max Pally and his older brother Calvin. Both are originally from Saskatoon and Team Canada alumni.
“This is the only high school rowing program in the province,” said Max. “Having rowing visible in schools makes it accessible. When more people see it, more people try it, and the sport grows.”
The athletes said the biggest message they hoped students would take away was the sense of community the sport can offer.
“Rowing is a great opportunity to find community and discover a sport you can pursue if you want to,” added Calvin. “The biggest thing is consistency — showing up, staying committed, and being open to trying new things.”
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