This past year Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of South Lake County (CFSLC) which was used to purchase a competitive 8+ racing shell.
On Friday, April 20, LCRA’s Youth Team hosted a ceremony, christening the sleek black racing shell, “Foundation” in honor of its generous sponsor. With champaign bottle in hand, CFSLC Executive Director Michael Herrera officially christened the boat while rowers, staff, city officials, family, and friends looked on with pride.
The LCRA was founded in 2011 and has since introduced the sport of rowing to many and elevated beginners into competitors. Rowing has become a popular sport among middle and high school students in the community. Currently, the LCRA has 29 middle school and 35 high school students enrolled in its programs.
Coaching Director Justin Knust, who started rowing when he was 14, said that the LCRA is looking to grow into a nationally competitive rowing club. Last year, Olivia Gerlach, was the first high-school senior from the Lake County Rowing Association to receive a college rowing scholarship. This year, high school seniors Elizabeth Hann and Reagan Armstrong received college scholarships for rowing.
The LCRA is a 501 C 3 with an all-volunteer Board of Directors, some committees manned by parents, masters (adult) rowers, and approximately 35 – 40 volunteers that help run the programs. This summer Learn to Row summer camps are available for $99 a week and open to any students going into grades 6-12 for the 2018-19 school year.
The home of the LCRA is located in the City of Clermont’s 5,000 square-foot boathouse, located on Lake Minneola near the Clermont Historic Village. The boathouse accommodates rowboats used for crew team competitions. At a recent Clermont City Council Meeting, representatives of the LCRA publicly thanked the city for its support and the use of its beautiful facility.
If you are interested in learning more information on Lake County Rowing Association, visit www.rowlcra.org
