Row
“Each rower in each event brings their own failures and
successes to each performance,” Bellinger notes. “Sometimes, the
most inspiring story comes from a boat that loses a medal but has
made a tremendous improvement as a group.”
No tryouts are required to join the team, but all team members
must be able to swim. The season runs from the fall through the
spring, with the fall and winter months dedicated to conditioning
and training and the spring season dedicated to racing and
competing. Races are typically local. Regional events are usually
held in Zanesville, Ohio, where the Midwest Championship is
located.
Now in his 22nd year as head coach, Bellinger hopes that the
team’s ongoing success will continue to attract new rowers.
“They are all winners. Everyone who can do well in school and
be a consistent presence at practice, travel and racing has been a
successful student athlete in my book,” he says. “All have some
personal fears or issues to overcome, and even those who are not
the fastest or win medals have accomplished a lot.”
For more information about Fox Chapel Crew, visit
foxchapelcrew.org. ■
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