Weekend fundraiser was more than just about raising money

The North Cascades Crew (NCC) is a new rowing club which started in August of this year by some former members of the Lake Stevens Rowing Club.

One member, Terri Potebnya expressed her excitement of the new club.

“Many of us are former members of LSRC and continue to be passionate about rowing,” said Potebnya. “Our desire is to introduce and share the many benefits of the sport in a safe and supportive environment. We are very excited to bring our vision of North Cascades Crew to the Lake Stevens community.”

The NCC Junior Program, which is open to participants 14 to 21 years of age, is part of the Boy Scouts of America and follows some of its disciplines when it comes to building leaders and teaching youth the importance of responsibility.

“The kids take on leadership roles and are part of the decision making process. They work as a team and take on responsibilities from planning the season regatta schedule to fundraising,” she said. ”Adult mentors provide guidance through this process but it’s the youth who are fully engaged in determining the direction of their rowing program. In addition, we are excited to announce that beginning early 2009 we will be launching our Masters Program for adults 21 and up.”

As part of their responsibilities and leadership building, the young members of the crew setout to raise money for much needed oars by doing a 24-hour fundraiser over the weekend.

Taking 30-minute shifts, the members of the new club began rowing on land using a wind resistant rowing machine to raise their money.

Around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, Coach Fleming Brainerd watched over junior rower Caleb Schwartzmiller as they neared the half-way mark.

Correction, with the daylight savings going into affect over the weekend they actually rowed more than 24 hours.

“We’re rowing straight through,” Brain erd said. “From 12 o’clock Saturday to 12 o’clock Sunday, non-stop for 25-hours.”

Schwartzmiller picked up the pace as he neared the finish of his 30-minute leg of which he had already done several since arriving around 7 p.m.

Daniel Morgan, Greta Hasko, and Andrea Rasmussen were also taking the late shift keeping each other company and waiting for their turn on the machine.

Hasko was seated in front of a pot of stew holding her cup and Rasmussen was just on the other side of her holding a cup as well.

The warmth from the hot stew in their cups seemed to help keep the girls warm as they held them tightly taking small spoonfuls for nourishment.

Morgan, Schwartzmiller, and Rasmussen all agreed that a big part of rowing is the friendship they build with one another and the fun they share when rowing that has kept them going.

“Andrea is the best part of rowing,” Hasko said, and the two laughed.
Potebnya said that the Northwest rowing community has been very supportive of the new crew by helping gather all the much needed equipment to begin such a program.

She also praised the dedication of all the individuals and the devotion of Coach Brainerd to the success of the program.

The team is currently mobile and houses their gear in a 35’ trailer and launch from Wyatt Park/Davies Beach, Lundeen Park, and occasionally from North Cove.

On Nov. 9, the NCC will be competing at the Head of the Lake on Lake Washington prior to going into the winter conditioning season, and will pick-up Spring rowing in February.

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