Coach Dennis Kamrad – Get Well Soon
Monday, March 17th, 2014The Laker Navy has recently learned that Coach Dennis Kamrad, a former coach with Grand Valley Rowing, has developed a health issue relating to his hips and back. Coach Kamrad and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. The entire Laker Navy wishes him a speedy recovery and hope to see him hale and hearty for the Lubbers Cup in 2015.
Coach Kamrad has over 40 years of coaching experience and a wealth of knowledge, and was a former member of the Grand Valley coaching staff. In 1972, he began coaching at the University of Central Florida and oversaw the sport during its club years and then during its elevation to varsity status in 1996. Coach Kamrad was UCF’s first and only women’s rowing coach until his retirement in 2003 guiding the program for its first 30 seasons. Under his leadership, UCF crews won 17 Dad Vail titles, and won seven straight State overall point championships. The success of his crews resulted in him being named the 1997 Dad Vail Regatta Coach of the year. Coach Kamrad has served two terms on the US Rowing Board of Directors. He has also served on the boards of the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association and the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association. Before coaching at Grand Valley, Coach Kamrad helped start and develop the Edgewater High School, Florida Athletic Club and Orlando Rowing Club rowing programs. In addition, he had the privilege to be a guest volunteer coach at Washington College, FL Institute of Technology and Rollins College. Furthermore, he has been an active member of the Rotary Club for over 40 years, and helped establish the Orange County East Rotary Metro Club in Winter Park, FL. He graduated from Rollins College as a four year oarsman and with a Masters in Education in Guidance and Counseling along with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations.