For BCR, the coxswains are volunteers from Colorado Crew. In practice, they lead the rowers through mechanical drills. In a race, they strive to keep the rowers synchronized and fast. While BCR members are not expected to race, many are looking forward to it, Quinn says. The group already has plans to enter boats in the August national championships in California.
College spurs interest The boom in masters rowing reflects a growth in collegiate competition.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association started sanctioning rowing in 1994, with 74 schools represented by women's teams. That number has jumped to 128 schools, largely due to Title IX, Mittelstadt says. Men's crews have remained club sports while universities trying to balance football-heavy budgets are passing out crew scholarships to women athletes. Young athletes and parents are seeing that opportunity. On the flip side, more women are graduating from college and looking to continue rowing as a hobby, spurring growth in masters participation.