Learn to Row is an opportunity for all students of upcoming 7th – 12th graders of the USC schools to learn how to row. It is a 3-day class, designed to teach the basics of proper sweep rowing. This is an introductory-level course as most participants have never set foot in a rowing shell before their first class.
The class is led by Head Coach Florin Curuea. Florin has devoted his time and skills to rowing for the last 20 years, working as a rower, coach, and director in Romania and the US. In 1996, he started rowing as a student-athlete in Romania. Florin competed in rowing for the Romanian Junior National Team from 1997 to 1999 and the Romanian Olympic Rowing Team from 1999 to 2006.
Additionally, Coach Florin says, “I have learned a lot since I started rowing as an eight-year-old and finished my Master’s Degree in Physics and Sport. I have also rowed for ten years with my school and on the Olympic team.”
Our Upper St. Clair rowing team is very accomplished: getting 3rd place in the Women’s and Men’s U17 quads at Head of Ohio; getting three first places, one second, and one-third place at the Glass City Regatta; and having many seniors accepting into the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Association Honors Society along with many other awards.
Maxim-Levi Shevchenko, a former rower says, “Rowing was really interesting and fun for me because of the friends I had on the team. It’s a great sport and worth it in the long run.”
Another thing Head Coach Florin wants to highlight is that rowing can often help students develop skills they can put towards other sports as well. Students can choose the season they compete in, offering flexibility. The actual rowing is year-long and is definitely more of a time commitment. However, if students choose to continue with rowing, there are many rowing programs they can choose from. We help people get in shape to help them in other sports.
Reagan Kuhn, a Junior and dedicated rower says, “For me, rowing is like a family. We spend so much time together supporting one another and achieving great things! Rowing has also taught me many great skills like cooperation, leadership, and time management, as well as many other great skills. Rowing has helped me to form some of the best friendships that I have! And I hope that people have the chance to experience this great sport, wonderful coaches, and caring teammates.”
To sign up, please visit: https://uscrowing.org/2023/03/08/learn-to-row-2023/