Current Eagles and former crew team members who are now alumni have both gone on to achieve great things on the water, in the classroom, and throughout their lives. Many have received scholarships and admissions aid to major colleges and universities as a direct result of their participation in crew.  In many instances, the motivation and desire to succeed was first instilled in these student-athletes during their days rowing for CJ. Here's what just a few grads have been saying about this unique opportunity afforded to them in high school:

 

Annie Haley '09

"If someone had approached me as an eighth grader and told me that not only would I be a member of a nationally ranked high school sports team, but I would go on to continue that sport on a team that wins NCAA Championships perennially, I would have told them they were crazy.  I had enjoyed sports in grade school, but didn’t feel as though I had found my sport.  My mom suggested crew to me and I haven’t looked back since.

Rowing is a sport that rewards hard work.  Whoever makes the boat go fastest is in the best boat.  Being a member of DBC taught me that everything was possible as long as I worked hard enough for it.  My junior and senior years of high school I went to USRowing Youth Nationals.  We went up against some of the most elite crew teams in the country and proved through the hard work we had put in and the coaching we had received from Mr. Miles, that a small team from Dayton, OH deserved to be there.

My college coach told us that he wanted us to learn as much from rowing as we did in the classroom and I have taken that to heart.  Rowing has taught me about the value of collaboration.  It is the ultimate team sport and I know my teammates are like my family.  They are there for me when I am down and they rejoice with me when I am up.  I have learned about my strength, both physical and mental.  I now know I am capable of so much more then I ever thought.  Crew has taught me so much more than I ever imagined it could."

FAQ

What is rowing?

• Rowing is the country’s oldest intercollegiate sport. The Harvard-Yale race in 1852 was the first time two U.S. colleges competed against each other in any sport.
• We typically train and race in 60-foot-long, 200-lb eight-person boats (shells), although we also row/race in four-person, two-person, and single-person shells.
• Rowing is a full-body workout. If you aren’t yet in good shape, joining the team will get you there!

 

What if I'm new to rowing?

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How is CJ associated with the Dayton Boat Club?

• CJ offers competitive rowing for boys and girls through the Dayton Boat Club (DBC), an area rowing club offering excellent coaching and competitive training.
• Approximately 30 rowers and coxswains from CJ currently compete on this season’s Dayton Boat Club team.
• For those varsity team members who qualify, CJ offers varsity letters.

 

Is the program successful?

• Each season our rowing teams compete successfully in regional and national regattas. In 2008 our women’s four finished fourth in the nation; we finished 8th in 2006 and 2007.
• Our success attracts college coaches who regularly contact, visit, and recruit our most committed athletes.
• A number of our members have achieved national-level individual recognition: (USRowing selection camp, USRowing National Team Identification Camp, National Scholar Athlete, NCAA All-American).
• A high-quality staff of dedicated coaches, including former US National Champions, former A-10 Coach of the Year, three former NCAA Division 1 coaches, and USRowing Junior National Team
• Development Camp coaching experience.

 

Who can join?

• Rowing is for both boys and girls, with members typically joining their freshman year (although interested sophomores and upperclass athletes are also very welcome to try it for the first time).
• No experience is necessary, nor expected.
• Many rowing team members are multi-sport athletes including varsity volleyball players, basketball players, cross country runners, field hockey players, and swimmers. Rowing is a great core strengthening, low impact, full body workout.
• Every year we start with novice athletes and help them transform into highly competitive crews.

 

When/how can I join?

• Our high school rowing programs are designed to allow our athletes to participate in other seasonal sports. Because of this, we offer many opportunities for interested athletes to join. The primary times of year to begin rowing with CJ are at our Summer Camps and during Winter training.
• Winter training starts typically the first week of December through February at the SCC
• Winter organization meeting is typically the first week of December.  Miss the meeting?  Contact Mike Bruggeman (daytondomer81@att.net, 681 3067)

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When is the rowing season?

• CJ recognizes the spring as the team’s season. The spring is the primary rowing season, which lasts from March to mid-May, but can extend into early June if a boat qualifies for Nationals.
• Training for the spring season begins in the winter. The first indoor workouts starting at the end of November. Those in other sports are exempt from winter training.
• Rowing can be accomplished - weather-permitting - year-round. DBC has fall and summer programs for those who wish to row during those times.

 

Where does the team meet?

• Our on-the-water rowing happens on the 5-mile stretch of the Great Miami River from Moraine to West Carrollton. Our boathouse is on River Road near the I-75 Dryden exit.
• Our indoor training during winter is held at the University of Dayton Indoor Rowing Facility Stonemill.
• CJ does not offer transportation, although most participants carpool.

 

What are the costs?

• Because the equipment and facilities costs are so high (a new boat can surpass $30,000), we must charge participation fees. Fee information is provided at the winter parent’s meeting.
• Separate CJ participation fees are also required.

 

Am I considered a novice?

You are considered varsity if you rowed the previous Spring Season (ie, if this is your 2nd Spring). If a summer camp or this fall is your introduction to the sport, you are considered novice.

 

How do I learn more about joining CJ rowing?

Watch this website for announcements, especially the start of winter training. This starts annually the weekend after Thanksgiving. Contact Coach Mike Miles for more information.