Replacement Boat for the GVSU Rowing Club
Saturday, April 23rd, 2011Friends of Grand Valley Rowing,
On Sunday, April 9 while driving on I-80-90 (The Ohio Turnpike) one of our eight man shells, the “Coach Bob Sawicki”, a front line racing boat flew off our trailer while in transit. We learned that one of the special straps that held the boat was worn and broke in heavy winds. The boat landed on the berm of the highway and broke into two pieces, it was a total loss. Thank God no one was injured and it did not affect traffic.
We have since reviewed and replaced any straps that might be considered compromised and have been working with insurance to replace the boat. As you know we are in midseason and in need of every piece of equipment at our disposal. Luckily, the new varsity eight man shell, the “Mike Keeler” purchased with an anonymous alumni gift and Student Senate funding arrived this week. The manufacturer, Hudson Boatworks brought the new boat last Wedsnesday along with a loaner to get our guys through the season. That loaner (valued at $29K) is a 2008 Hudson Elite Predator and is in mint condition. Our 2V loves the boat and has closed the gap on the 1V by about 10 seconds.
With the expected insurance settlement of around $14K and the hopes of a donor who woud like naming rights, we could replace the totaled shell with a new or newer boat. Thus everyone on the team would benefit from the improvement to the fleet. I know times are tough for all and I know you have all been very supportive of the Laker Navy and our successes. I am asking if you and/or anyone you know is in the position to help in any way, please consider a gift to replace the boat. Any gift no matter its size would be appreciated.
The hope is that we can raise enough funds along with the insurance settlement to purchase the loaner or a new boat for our growing program. Thanks so much for your continued support of the Laker Navy.
The tradition started in 1964 continues!
The Laker Navy
Coach John and Staff
Tax deductible gifts can be sent to:
Grand Valley State University Rowing Club
1 Campus Drive
110 Kirkhof Center
Allendale, MI 49401