Volume 45 | April 2022
Caspersen Rowing Center Happenings
Providing a venue where athletes of all ages, talents and backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their rowing ability to their highest potential.
Metro Youth Speed Order
Adult Summer Programs
Mercer Novices kicked off the spring racing season at the Metropolitan Youth Speed Orders in Overpeck Park this weekend.

Mercer raced a total of 4 boats and each team came home with a WIN in the First Novice Boys and Girls event and both Second Novice boats had very good results beating all other teams' second boats.

Ellie Kovalick, stroke seat of the Novice Girls First 8 recounts the race:
Rowing can be a draining sport, especially erging every day in the winter. Last weekend, all of our hard work paid off...
Read Ellie's full race recap here.

Congratulations to both our Novice Teams!
Campfire Coffee Fundraiser
We're excited to announce that we've partnered with Campfire Coffee for a fundraiser to support our STEM to Stern program! Please see the website HERE to support. Half of the money raised from purchasing this coffee goes directly to our efforts to make our club more accessible, diverse, and competitive. 

NOTE: To wave the shipping fee you can choose to pick up at campfire coffee and your order will be sent to PNRA/Mercer for pick up

About the cause: The Princeton University Rowing Teams and the Princeton National Rowing Association have teamed up to create our STEM to Stern Program targeting underserved students in the greater Trenton NJ area. STEM to Stern addresses major barriers to participation in rowing and STEM education that many students in these communities face. Our program provides necessary support to increase equity in rowing and education, creating life-changing experiences and bringing students from all backgrounds together. 

Please support and please share with your friends/network!
Gear Order
A reminder that your order forms and payment are due back to Coach Jules by Monday, 4/4 at the end of Varsity practice.

See below for the order form and instructions!

Information regarding the Spring gear order for non-racing clothes (such as sweatshirts etc) is below!

It is optional for athletes to order gear and if you have any questions, please let Coach Jules know via email or come and see me at practice.

Spring 2022 Gear Order Information:

1. Please use this order form HERE

2. Fill in and complete your order and include the payment:
cash or check (checks made out to PNRA).

3. Return your form and payment to Coach Jules by the
end of Varsity practice on Monday 4th April 2022.
(Late orders will not be accepted, nor orders that are
submitted to Coach Jules without payment).

All gear will be embroidered with the Mercer logo. The water bottles will have the Mercer logo AND the athlete's name as nominated on the order form.
Does your employer have a matching gift program?
Check out the Matching Gift finder feature on our website. Click here to find if your employer has a program.
We are excited to announce our Summer Rowing programs for adults.

Rowing in the Barge is a fun, low-key way to get out on the water to enjoy Mercer Lake and get a bit of exercise! All sessions will have an experienced coach on board the ‘rowing barge’ and classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 with the first class on Tuesday, May 24. There is a FREE tryout session on Tuesday, May 17, or Thursday, May 19 for those who want to test it out beforehand.
 
Adult Learn to Row is a program offered in two 4 week sessions. This is geared toward adults who are interested in learning how to row on the water in a rowing shell. Sessions will meet three times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in the evening from 5:45 to 7:15 starting the week of June 20.
 
We are pleased to offer the Adult Summer Rowing League for those who want to be part of a team and row in an 8 person shell. This is a great opportunity for companies to sponsor a fun outdoor experience with co-workers. It’s also available to individuals who want to learn to row and meet new people. This program will meet once or twice a week (you choose) and you have the option to create your own team of 8 to 10 people or be placed on a team. All teams will have an experienced coach and coxswain assigned to them.
 
National Learn to Row Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 18. This is a FREE one-day event open to the community, ages 11 and older. Sign up for a 90-minute session that will cover the basics and get you taking strokes out on the water!
 
Private lessons are available pending water/weather and coach availability. Contact Hilary Gehman to learn more.
Boating Safety Course
The Boating Safety Course will be held on April 4 & 5 (Monday and Tuesday) from 6:30-10:00 pm
at the Caspersen Boathouse

We have a few more spots available if you are interested in in taking the course. Please Email Hilary Gehman to reserve a spot

A Boating Safety certificate is required if you are interested in volunteering to drive a launch at a Mercer Lake regatta or you want to be a PNRA/Mercer summer camp coach.
Summer Camp Registration
Summer is just around the corner!

Do you know someone who would like to learn to row at the Mercer Learn to Row Summer Camps?

Registration is open for the 2022 Summer Camps. Open to rising 7th through 12th graders.
Summer U23 Interest Form!
Anyone who is interested in participating in a U23 rowing program at Mercer this summer please check out this link for information and the interest form!

Whether or not we hold the program will be dependent on interest, so please fill out the form and spread the word! Any questions or issues please email Jamie (jhamp@rowpnra.org).
Mercer Lake Spring Racing Schedule
Mercer Lake Sprints: April 23-24

USRowing Mid-Atlantic Youth Regionals: May 14-15

IRA Championships: June 3-5
Host A National Team Rower
Interested in hosting a National Team athlete? The Caspersen Rowing Center is the USRowing National Training Site and athletes who come here to train are often looking for low or no rent housing options as they pursue their Olympic dreams. Click HERE to learn more about this great opportunity. Please reach out to Hilary if you are interested.
We're all in this together!!
Your support today will make a difference.

Thank you.

Mercer Team gear is still available - face masks, hats, scarves, umbrellas, shirts . . .
Show your Mercer Spirit!
Contact Jules Howarth jhowarth@rowpnra.org
PNRA is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit corporation. We are grateful to all who support our mission and could not do it without you! We gladly accept gifts of appreciated stock and corporate matching gifts. Have questions? Contact Kris at krisgrudt@rowPNRA.org
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