Three Rivers Rowing Association earns USRowing Club’s top award again
For a record fifth time, the Three Rivers Rowing Association on Washington’s Landing received the USRowing Club of the Year Award.
In announcing the 2019 selection, USRowing praised the club for offering junior and masters rowing programs, which compete on national and international levels; serving as home to high schools and colleges; providing yearlong adaptive rowing to people 12 years and older; and opening its doors to veterans.
In addition, it mentioned the club’s expansive dragon boating leagues; its facilities, including two boathouses; and its dedication to hosting events throughout the year, most notably, the Head of the Ohio Regatta, which this fall had 608 entries and 58 clubs.
The club will be honored in December at the USRowing Annual Convention in Philadelphia.
Three Rivers Rowing board chairwoman Catherine Garfinkel of Fox Chapel said the award shows the club is fulfilling its mission.
“The honor belongs to the volunteers, staff, athletes, donors and members, who work everyday to make our rowing and paddling community safe and fun for everyone,” she said.
Three Rivers Rowing executive director Matt Logue of Shadyside said the club, which has more than 1,500 members, is excited its on-the-water success was recognized.
“This award inspires us to continue to be leaders, both on and off the water,” he said.
Ellis School junior Audrey Lyda, a member of the Three Rivers Junior Rowing team, said the club gave her the tools to become a national champion and international athlete.
Lyda teamed with Angie Mico to win the women’s lightweight youth double sculls at the USRowing Youth National Championships in June in Sarasota, Fla. She then competed for the U.S. in junior women’s quadruple sculls at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Tokyo.
“The club has supported me tremendously,” said Lyda, 17. “Firstly, I have knowledgeable coaches who are committed to helping me perform to my maximum potential through their advice and training plans, along with their generous offers to coach extra practices and provide supplemental workouts.
“Secondly, our facilities and equipment (create) the perfect environment for anyone’s success. Lastly, my supportive and competitive teammates push me.”
All USRowing’s member organizations are eligible for the award, which is based on a points system. Award criteria include performance, community outreach, service to rowing, USRowing participation, technology and communications and safety.
A USRowing spokesman said the nonprofit has 1,400-plus clubs.
Three Rivers Rowing, which was founded in October 1984, also won in 2016, ’13, ’10 and ’02, the first year the award was given.
Three Rivers Rowing board member Judith Wood is impressed by the competition.
“The amazing thing to me is there are so many clubs hundreds of years old, in big cities with a rich history of elite rowing, and, yet, we beat out all of them,” Wood said.
Karen Kadilak is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.