Rowing is an expensive sport, and since Brookline’s athletic budget only provides for a small amount of the necessary program costs and salaries for our coaching staff, the majority of our program’s operating and equipment expenses must be obtained through fundraising. Every year we must raise nearly $50,000.00 to sustain the Brookline Rowing program. One rowing shell can cost in excess of $30,000.00 and a set of oars $3,000.00. To stay competitive we must continuously invest in new equipment and the preservation of our existing equipment.
Brookline High School is one of only 22 of Massachusetts’ 335 public secondary schools with a Varsity Rowing program. Our co-ed team is one of the largest varsity squads at BHS, representing one-sixth of all spring athletes in the school. Rowing is a test of physical and mental endurance. Our team trains intensively beginning with 4 months of winter indoor training; and then as soon as the Charles River melts we are on the water training 3 hours a day, 6 days a week, to compete in ten all-day weekend regattas. We are supported by a dedicated and tireless coaching staff, our families, friends, and the community. It is with this support that BHS has been able to develop a highly competitive team.
We had some great successes in the last several years. Our varsity boys’ eights and two girls’ boats have won gold at the state championships. At US Youth National Championships our men’s lightweight eights, fours, and men’s pair have placed in the top 12 while our men’s double has won bronze once and gold twice, making us one of the highest ranking public school teams in the nation. Given our determination and with your support, we know that we can have an even stronger future, and continue to place ourselves among the best in the country.
Thank you for your generous contributions that will allow us to buy and maintain essential equipment, support our coaching staff and to make BHS rowing accessible to all students. Your donations are tax deductible and you can make a donation online through PayPal or by check made payable to:
Friends of Brookline Rowing
Marc Rysman
181 Clark Road
Brookline, MA 02445
