Newsletter - Holiday Edition

One

Sportsmanship

Embraces the ideals of Sportsmanship and all the necessary components of athletic activity.

Two

Expanding Horizons

Expands Horizons using a personal mentoring system and inspires all participants to achieve academically and athletically.

Three

Responsibility

Encourages Community Responsibility by developing and using each member’s leadership skills.

Members of CTC at Christmas Ergathon

Happy Holidays from Chicago Training Center!

It has been a while since we've caught up and there is lots of news to share!

Gala Follow Up ----

On November 11th CTC celebrated our 5th annual Gala at the Chicago University Club. The night was filled with a successful Silent and Live Auction, recognition of Chicago's Family and Support Services, a celebration of the Cities effort to support the River, all capped off by a surprise dance performance by the CTC kids. CTC is thankful for the generous support of our friends and we look forward to continue building this organization so that our reach continually expands.
Visit our Gala Page to access posted photos of the event.

Recruitment Update ----

Post CTC Gala we were busy recruiting new kids. Joining us shortly after the 11th were 15 kids from 4 different schools. This followed recruitment pitches at Phoenix Military School, Benito Juarez, UNO and Powerhouse High. More events are planned in the coming weeks and I hope to report a much larger team in the New Year. Upcoming recruitment events are scheduled at UIC College Prep and Richards Elementary.

Winter Outlook ----

With the new recruits getting a lay of the land, practices have been picking up steam with a new athletic programming schedule. Thanks to the CTC Programming Committee Heads (Joe, Ben, Rick and Erin) we have employed a new structured workout scheme that is the most regimented yet. The kids have really taken to this new demanding and focused schedule and results are starting to show. Our team-wide fitness tests have shown a material improvement over last year and our preparation for CIRC(Chicago Indoor Rowing Champs and the TIRO Cup is looking very promising (Jan 25th and March 17th respectfully - please mark your calendars!).

Ergathon ----

Lincoln Park Boatclub recently held an ergathon to benefit the wounded warriors program. CTC was glad to take part in the event that was held at Chicago's Union Station's main hall (for those that are movie buffs, this is the same location that has been in numerous films - The Untouchables being the most noteworthy). Added to the significance of this event - I was able to see the kids for the first time since becoming a father! Yep, CTC now has two new mascots in Isabella Rosemary Butsch and Theodore Maximus Butsch - born at 3 and 3:30pm 12/14/11 respectfully. Understandably the kids were brimming with excitement with the new early additions. Suffice to say, these kids are lucky to have the CTC family looking over them and guiding them as they grow older.

Website Update ----

Working closely with our web designer and the independent advisory groups we have working with/for the kids we have now been able to create a member only section to the website. CTC's goal is to use rowing as a vehicle to bigger things and what better way to make that happen then by putting our participants in direct contact with those that have done exactly that. Each member of the CTC family will now be able to access member-only items that puts them in direct contact with the Athlete Advisory Committee, the Accelerated Rehab staff, and all of the volunteer coaches. Access is key in helping our kids to ask interesting questions and chart atypical paths. We hope that this new tool will facilitate even more positive interaction.

Spring Outlook ----

The Spring Outlook is very bright and we anticipate going to as many as 5 regattas. Barring any foul weather this should be our most fun and successful season yet. Updates will be posted on the website (directions and particulars on each regatta) and you can access our competition schedule by clicking HERE.