May_2010 - Newsletter

Since the last update there have been a few, but memorable, developments to bring to your attention.

Since the airing of the ABC news piece (click here) we have been approached by a few more interested youths so we look forward to getting those novices in the fold.  Thank you Karen Jordan Farr, ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Co-Anchor, for your excellent coverage of the event.

Another presentation was also given at the 71st Annual Oxford Cambridge Dinner in Chicago. Abigail Avila and Charielle McMullan were on hand to speak with those in attendance about their upcoming Exeter Academy adventure.

Our participants have since made the transition to the Chicago River. Practice now involves rows on Bubbly Creek and the Chicago River, and the daily battle with the elements.  All of this is in preparation for Spring Regattas, the first time we have ventured into the world of Junior Spring Racing.  Our first race was this past Saturday at the Greater Chicago Rowing Championships in Crystal Lake IL.  It is with great pride that I note that in our first ever spring regatta we came away with some hardware!  Though under subscribed with entries we came away with a win in the Junior Boy's 4x and a second place medal in the Junior Girl's 4x.  Though New Trier was too tough for our girls to beat -  root for them to make Nationals - our girls fought admirably, considering that this was the first time they have ever been on stakeboats (starting docks)!  All in all we rowed in 3 events and entered 6 boats.  The UNO High School team represented well and the future is bright for this scholastic team.

Chicago Champs will be followed by Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships in Cincinnati May 7th - 9th (where our focus will be solely on UNO) and conclude with the first CTC, UNO, and St. Ignatius dual race on May 15th.  This will be an annual tradition. The May 15th regatta would be an ideal time for supporters to witness the crews in action in a fun and local environment.  Races will start around noon and conclude no later than 2pm.  The focus for the day is sprint racing in front of an audience.  The BBQ's will be on hand. Everyone is invited.  You can find the location by clicking (here ) - 2800 S. Eleanor St.  If you would like specific information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

The Spring Season will conclude with a year-end party at Gage Park (2411 W. 55th) on the night of May 15th.  This event will give us all an opportunity to contemplate the successes of the season and what we need to work on going forward to School Year 2011.  Awards and speeches will be the focus of the evening and, fingers crossed, we will have more rowing medals to celebrate! The event will start at 5pm and end around 8pm.

On the horizon is strategic planning for Financial Year 2011 and the upcoming CTC Summer Camp.  Last year's camp was a big success and we want to build on that momentum for this summer.  Also, please mark July 10th and 11th on your calendars as that is the annual Chicago Sprints Regatta - our squads' focus for the Summer Season.  At present we have confirmed Aquil Abdullah and Bill Fedyna as the former National Team guest coaches and I aim to secure 1-2 more by the close of the month.

Publicity Update -

Chicago Athlete Magazine was impressed by Abigail and Charielle's acceptance into Exeter Academy and decided to name them both Junior Athletes for the Month of May.  You can read about them and CTC in general in the May issue of Chicago Athlete or by clicking (here) page 32.   Thank you Ms. Christine Palmquist for this story.