WINTER 2016 NEWSLETTER

EST. 2015  As 2015 is coming to an end, it is a great time to reflect upon what Spring Lake Crew Club has accomplished in it’s inaugural year and think about the possibilities for the future. With the help of many generous sponsors and a grant, we were able to raise close to $30,000 in our first fundraising campaign, which helped us get the team started.  We acquired 4 used shells and 17 sweep oars, we bought a small zodiac inflatable with outboard motor and trailer, we earned a small aluminum boat and motor in exchange for yard work, we designed and built a 40 foot customized aluminum trailer to haul our shells and equipment to events and we bought 6 pairs of new rowing shoes. Looking back, it is downright amazing what was accomplished; especially when you consider that one brand new racing shell can cost upwards of $50,000! The goal of this newsletter is to give updates about our accomplishments and spread the word about our plans for continued growth of the program. Thank you to all who have helped us get off to a great start!

FUNDRAISING

Goal $25,000.

To be able to keep rowing into 2016,  we have set a goal of raising $25,000 by March 31st, 2016.

This is a very short time-line to raise a large amount of money. Would you consider making a donation to support the rowing team? Because we are a 501(c)(3), your charitable contribution is tax deductible.

NEEDS LIST:

• Professional refurbishment of 2 shells
• Racing Shells—used good condition
• Oars
• Cox Boxes (microphones)
• Waterproof Megaphones for coaching
• Racing Shoes (fixed in the boats)
• Boat Trailer for towing 14ft motor boat

WISH LIST:

• Floating Docks
• Waterfront on the Grand River and a boathouse. This would be a great option for those wishing to leave a legacy through an estate or trust and would have a positive affect many generations to come.

Rowers pay participation fees each season to help off-set operational expenses.

If you have any questions or ideas on how to raise funds, please contact Paul Winter at:  winter@lakemichiganlaw.com.

Fall Recap:  The team moved from Spring Lake Yacht Club to Conestoga Campground on the Grand River and found conditions there to be more favorable with better wind protection and easier launching. A co-ed novice team of 17 practiced 3 days/week.  Volunteer coaches were:  Paul Winter, Amanda Rantanen (GVSU Varsity Rower Alum), and Blake Phillips (U.S. Naval Academy Varsity Rower Alum).  Fall season ended with 4 entries at the Leelanau Chase Regatta hosted at Fountain Point Resort, Lake Leelanau. With a majority of freshman rowers, we are looking forward to watching the team develop. We have already been receiving recruiting invitations from MSU Varsity Women’s and GVSU Co-Ed Club Rowing for our junior and senior rowers.  One of our girls attend an MSU recruitment weekend this fall.

Winter Training:  Staring in mid-January, we will be meeting a few days per week at Ferrysburg City Hall where we have 8 Concept II Ergs for indoor rowing.  Winter Training is required to compete in the indoor competitions in February/March however it is not mandatory for participation in Spring Season.  Winter Training is a great way to condition for the highly competitive spring sprint season.

Spring Season:  As soon as the ice melts on the Grand River, we will begin our spring on-water season.  If the weather continues to be mild, we may be on the water mid-March.

We are accepting new members for Winter and/or Spring Seasons.  All interested students should contact the team via email at:  springlakerowing@gmail.com.  You may also find more information on our website http://www.springlakerowing.com and on facebook.

Because we are a high school sports club, operating under a separate 501 c.(3), we are able to accept students who are in good academic standing from any local high school as well as home schooled or private schools in the tri-city area.

EVENTS

FEB 27—Hungry Eagle Sprints, Indoor Competition, Ann Arbor

FEB TBD—Forest Hills Central Sprints, Indoor Ergatta Competition

April 8-10—GVSU Lubber’s Cup—Spring Lake Yacht Club

May 7—St. Mary’s Prep Laddie Cup—Orchard Lake

May TBD—Culver Academies Regatta—Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana

May TBD—States Regatta

Others To Be Announced

TEAM LEADERSHIP

Paul Winter—President and Coach

Amanda Rantanen—Secretary and Coach

Mike Gable—Treasurer

Blake Phillips—Member at Large and Coach

Michelle Tanner—Member at Large

New for 2016:

Those donating at least $150 will be recognized on the 2016 TEAM BANNER which will be displayed proudly at all of our regattas.

If you would like a business logo included, please email a high resolution png or jpg image of your company logo to:  springlakerowing@gmail.com.

If you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, or in honor of someone special, please specify that on your donation remittance.

You also have an option of donating through our online store.  Visit http://www.springlakerowing.com.

Thank you for your support of the Spring Lake Crew Club!