June_2010 - Newsletter

As the summer gets underway, CTC is enjoying its time to shine. The month of May was loaded with a number of firsts and new developments.

* Spring Racing *

For the first time CTC and its scholastic program UNO, got onto the water to race the traditional Spring Circuit.  We raced in Crystal Lake (Greater Chicago Rowing Championships), Cincinnati, Ohio, (Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships) and here in Chicago at the CTC river site for the inaugural CTC, UNO, and St. Ignatius dual race.

The results were understandably mixed given the participants' lack of experience in Spring Racing, but all came away with an overwhelmingly positive attitude about their contribution to the team and their place in the rowing culture.  By the end of the Midwest Championships, I was inundated with questions ranging from, "Can I trade my shirt?" to "Can we do this again next week?"  Clearly, the kids are starting to get it!

* Summer Camp Starts June 22nd *

One of our notable accomplishments in these regattas was a victory by CTC in the boys' quad (4x) at the greater Chicago Champs, a fantastic showing by the UNO lightweight 4x and 4+ (finishing middle of pack in both events). We are also gratified by the positive working relationship we enjoy with our site partners from St. Ignatius. All of us look forward to the start our Summer Camp on the 22nd of June.

* Former Olympians to Coach *

CTC Summer Camp has now become a staple of activity and this year we welcome members of New Trier rowing to the fold (in addition to St. Ignatius participants). 2004 Olympians Aquil Abdullah and Luke Walton are scheduled to help coach along with CTC board Member (and 2000 World Lightweight Champion) Bill Fedyna.  If schedules allow - we will also have 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Pete Chipllone for the 2nd straight year as well.

* Chicago Sprints *

The training at CTC Camp will prepare all athletes for the Annual Chicago Sprints Regatta July 10th and 11th.  If anyone would like information about possible enrollment for this year please contact me as soon as possible at (312.342.5241). There are a few places left.

New Developments:

The CTC Advisory Committee is currently developing an action plan to build on our previous success, while advising the board with strategic planning for the future.  Members of this committee include representatives from the City of Chicago, Park District and State government as well as independent Chicago Business professionals, and members of the funding community.  They have all recognized the Herculean task ahead of us and are eager to lend a hand. CTC was also lucky to be short listed for the CCT Springboard Grant and received a site visit a few days back. This support would help our organization grow in exciting and sustainable ways.  CTC would have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our efforts to produce positive, quantifiable results in afterschool programs for Chicago's public school students.

In addition, I have also been asked to write an Op-Ed piece for the Catalyst Magazine tentatively titled 'Universal Access to Afterschool Programs'.  The publication date is up in the air, but I will make sure to let everyone know when that piece sees the light of day. The City of Chicago TV is currently producing an on-air piece for its 24-hour cable access show.  This channel highlights issues that affect City residents and its youth.  We have been fortunate to receive their interest and they are currently putting together the final piece to air with their regular programming in a few days.  As always, I will keep everyone posted of airdates and live links.

* New Logo *

Final new news - CTC has finally gone through the process of logo development!  This long, but rewarding, journey has produced a design that is new, fresh and powerful.  The logo will make its debut on shirts at the Sprints, so I hope to see you there when we show off the new look!