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Former Olympic Rower Expands Horizon for Trent Rowing |
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The future of the Peterborough rowing community got a significant boost earlier this year when Carol assumed full-time duties as head coach of Trent varsity rowing and the Peterborough Rowing Club. As Trent's Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Byrick explains, "We have established a partnership with the Peterborough Rowing Club that has enabled us to jointly hire Carol as head coach on a full-time basis. She has been a tremendous part-time coach for us and we are very excited about the impact that her increased involvement will have on Trent and the community as a whole. Many will benefit from her focus on athletes, her commitment to the community and her orientation towards success." Ms. Love has had a tremendous influence on many athletes including current coaches and former Olympians. A former Olympian and World Championship medallist herself, she has carved out an outstanding coaching career. As Canada's most heralded female coach, she has spent over 25 years coaching at club, provincial and international levels. Her involvement with Trent's rowing program has also lasted over 25 years. A recent highlight of her coaching career was her role as Ontario's head coach at the 2005 Canada Summer Games. The growth of rowing in Peterborough, both in terms of quantity and quality, is very important to Ms. Love and she looks forward to the potential outcomes of her heightened involvement. "There is a rich tradition of rowing in the Peterborough community. As a club we have been successful in haphazard ways over time. I feel my mandate is to help create the building blocks to develop our athletes in the long term," says Ms. Love. "The benefits of sport on an individual's development and lifestyle is indisputable. The Rowing Club is a community treasure, thriving on the waterway that runs right through the middle of our city. It is time to grow." Ms. Love is also proud to be leading the charge of female coaches in the sport. In addition to being an outstanding coach herself, she has trained other women to coach at higher levels in Canada in cooperation with Sport Canada. She explains, "It is difficult to balance a coaching position with other commitments for women. I was given a lot of support to develop as a coach and encouraged to stay involved. As my family gets older, I have the opportunity to be totally engaged in the sport again not only locally, but nationally as well which is exciting for me." The relationship between Trent and the Peterborough Rowing Club goes back over decades. The joint hiring of Ms. Love further solidifies this relationship and will enhance Trent's position as a centre of excellence in rowing. Mr. Byrick outlines, "We are continually motivated as the positive momentum surrounding Athletics and Recreation at Trent grows. Having Carol as a full-time coach not only improves rowing in the Peterborough community, it takes Trent Athletics to a higher level. This rowing partnership elevates our competitive ability and we are definitely in the hunt for an OUA Championship." Ms. Love is committed to developing young talent and fostering an attitude of excellence amongst her athletes. She also recognizes the importance of finding talent and has been a key player in athlete recruitment across the province. Mr. Byrick is very enthusiastic about Ms. Love's commitment to developing young talent. "A key area that will benefit from Carol's full-time coaching will be the youth development program at the high school and club levels," says Byrick. "More attention will be given to local athletes who will be able to grow and develop through an integrated program. Hopefully, many of them will stay and row for Trent University." Carol Love is at the heart of the Peterborough rowing community. She is dedicated to her athletes, raising a competitive spirit and strengthening Peterborough's rowing presence at the national level. As Bill Byrick puts it, "Carol is a critical piece of the puzzle. We have the setting, we have the coaching, and the facilities are improving – we are on the verge of being a premier rowing destination in the country." Being head coach at a premier rowing destination would be exciting for some and daunting for others. Ms. Love is maintaining her focus and looking forward to what this new era in Peterborough rowing will bring. "The solid foundation of the Club operates successfully because of a significant base of volunteers with expertise," she explains. "It is an exciting time to be involved." Posted May 24, 2006
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Rowing in Peterborough would not be what it is today without former Olympic rower Carol Love. Trent's varsity rowing team, the Peterborough Rowing Club, and local high school rowing programs have all benefited from Ms. Love's guidance, experience and enthusiasm. Add to that the ideal setting for rowing that Peterborough offers and you have a winning combination.