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DETROIT — Record-setting collegiate rowing coach John Bancheri is becoming a legend in his sport. Under Bancheri’s leadership, the Grand Valley State University Rowing club women have twice won gold, and men the bronze, at the Head of the Charles Regatta. His rowers have won competitions across the country and across the globe.
Now he will take on a guest role leading summer programs and camps for the DetroitWomen’s Rowing Association.
“John is an incredibly knowledgeable coach with a long track record of producing fast boats,” says DWRA founder and coach Renee Adams Schulte of Grosse. “He will be an enormous asset to our youth and master rowers who want to compete at regattas such as the Royal Canadian Henley in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, or the USRowing Masters Nationals in Grand Rapids. We are really excited to have him heading up our programs this summer.”
Additionally, a grant from the Black United Fund, will provide select Detroit youth with novice rower and coaching scholarships. BUF youth rowers learn the fundamentals of rowing and develop athletic skills, with a special focus on teamwork, leadership and discipline through healthy competition, organizers say.
“It is our mission to help develop Detroit youth through the sport of rowing,” says Schulte. “Many of our young rowers have graduated and gone on to college rowing programs, and we talk to parents and network on their behalf to identify scholarship opportunities.”
Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports and not only provides athletes with a total body workout, but access to beautiful natural environments. The DWRA boathouse is located is on the grounds of the historic Lawrence Fisher Mansion at 383 Lenox in Detroit close to a pristine stretch of the Detroit river east of Belle Isle.
DWRA’s summer sessions begin June 9 and end with a final race at Masters Nationals on August 17. There is limited space in DWRA programs this summer, so organizers encourage interested youth to sign up soon.
Register and learn more at www.dwra.org or email dwra.org@gmail.com.
— Staff report
