Watch the sun rise with the LSU Rowing Club

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By Ally Champagne

Walking along University Lake, one sees joggers, runners, and occasionally, rowers. The LSU Rowing Club holds their practices on the University Lake, and spends long hours practicing for upcoming competitions.

The current organization of the LSU Rowing Club was founded in 2004; however, the club has been functioning on and off for many years at the university. The original founding members of the club have all graduated, with the exception of Ann Elise Borchardt. Notable founding alumni include past presidents David Dinh and Keith Miller. The coach of LSU's Rowing Club is Carolyn Day, and has been since the group's founding days in 2004.

According to Men's Health magazine, rowing is one of the quickest ways to burn calories and is also becoming increasingly popular with young adults.

"Most rowers are looking for daily exercise, an alternative to running, perhaps," stated Outside Magazine. "In addition to its aerobic benefit, rowing calls into play the muscles in the legs, the arms, the back and the stomach, making it a far more complete exercise than any landlocked foot pounding."

Aside from receiving the health benefits rowing provides, the LSU Rowing Club frequently competes in organized events with other schools. These competitions are called "regattas." According to Scott Beckstrom, rowing club member, the club competes in races in fall and spring. In the fall, the club races a longer course, known as a Head Race, which is 5000 meters. In the spring, it races in spring events, which are 2000 meters.

The regattas are in the greater Southeast region, "stretching from Oklahoma to Georgia and all areas in between." The last regatta the club competed in was the ACRA National Championship Regatta, which was held in Tennessee.

Although the club attends other competitions regularly, it does not hold events at LSU.

"Unfortunately, our facilities at LSU don't allow us to host events here in Baton Rouge," said Beckstrom.

The closest regatta of the LSU Rowing Club is the annual State Regatta, which is held in New Orleans.

During the school year, the club practices from 6a.m. until 8a.m. on the University Lake. Also, the club does not hold tryouts, so those interested in becoming a member of the LSU Rowing Club should visit the Student Organization Fair in August and talk to a representative.

"Rowing as a sport is amazing both from fitness and entertainment perspectives," said Beckstrom. "The friends I have made through the club are nothing short of spectacular."

Originally Published: Issue 805 - June 24, 2009

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