THE 2005 SEASON IN REVIEW

2005 marked substantial growth for the Michigan Tech Rowing Club.  An orientation week presentation by coach Smythe brought dozens of students to the teams first practice.  The team also benefited from the first women's crew since the 2002 season.    The club has over 36 undergraduate members.  The huge increase in membership prompted the club to replace it's aging 8+.  The boat, over a decade old, has needed constant repair.  Thankfully, President Mroz was able to make a Presidential Fund donation toward the club, which allowed the team to purchase a 2002 Vespoli Ultralite 8+.  The newest edition to the Michigan Tech fleet is now their premiere racing 8+.  The club also used part of their annual budget to purchase a set (8) of Concept II sweep oars from Michigan State University.  The club's racing fleet now includes two 4+'s, one 8+ and one 1x, with oars and sculls for every seat in every boat. 

Tim Wong started off the season with the Duluth Rowing Club's annual "Death Row."  This race, up the St. Louis River along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin follows a scenic 18 mile course.  Tim won the collegiate division and was the 2nd fastest lightweight men's 1x. 

The team had a strong showing at the annual Copperhead regatta, a scrimmage with Northern Michigan University. 

The team's first regatta, the Tail of the Fox on the Fox river in DePere, Wisconsin was a huge success, with 6 of 6 boats bringing back medals including 3 golds, and 2 silvers.  The day before, Tim Wong rowed at the Head of the Mississippi in Minneapolis, MN.  He again was the first place finisher in the collegiate division, and took 2nd in the lightweight men's 1x division. 

The Head of the Grand on the Grand river in Lansing, Michigan pitted Michigan Tech against the other Michigan schools with rowing programs including University of Michigan, Michigan State, Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Northern Michigan.  The club had another strong showing with many top 5 finishes.  No medals are awarded at this all-Michigan schools regatta.

Finally, the team traveled to the Head of the Elk regatta in Elkhart, Indiana.  The team raced crews from over 40 colleges, clubs and high schools from around the midwest.  The team had many top 10 finishes, although there were timing discrepancies. 

I would like to extend a huge thanks to all of our supporters including parents, siblings, friends and alumni.  Your generosity and help at regattas contributed greatly to our success.  We look forward to seeing you at future regattas!

Sincerely,

Tim Wong
Michigan Tech Rowing Club
Vice President