Dear Friends,
Reflecting on the past season, we would like to pause and express our gratitude to a number of our favorite people. Our student-athletes represent the University with fortitude and integrity both in the classroom and on the racecourse. This extends to the community as well, whether that’s cleaning up a park, mentoring Special Olympians or reaching out to disadvantaged youth. The presence of our Huskies is felt far and wide.
The parent community of our student-athletes deserves our heartfelt appreciation, as they continue to provide crucial support at regattas as well as advocating for the program. Barbecues, host families, donations, volunteering, are all ways they help the program, resulting in conspicuous and contagious enthusiasm.
The women from the 70’s have blazed a trail back to the boathouse. These extraordinary women championed gender equity off the water, while pushing their limits on the water. They were catalysts for change in their collegiate years, and now in their professional careers they have brought new energy—and the gift of a new shell — back to the boathouse (photo above). They have created a new and real momentum for our alumnae, and for all of it we say “thank you.”
The program is losing one of its stalwarts this summer. Colin Sykes, ’92, coached the men’s team from 2003 to 2007 and the women’s team from 2008 to 2015. He joined Yaz in 2016, providing much needed continuity to the program. He coached men and women to multiple national championships in the varsity four and retires from the UW having made an indelible mark on both the program and the athletes he mentored.
Our appreciation extends well beyond this page, but please know the program is built on all of you. You each make an impact on the success of our team.
Thank you! Go Huskies!
Jane Powers and Trevor Vernon, Co-chairs
Board of Washington Rowing Stewards
