Celebrating Momentous Legacy and Future: New Rowing Shells for Trent Student Athletes

October 18, 2024

Members of the 1970s men's crew named a new eight shell in honour of their former coach Carol Love. Pictured here are Dan Coholan, ’77 (Traill College), Jamie Fleming ‘76 (Champlain College), Brian Holland ’78 (Julian Blackburn College), Terry Holland ’75 (Champlain College), Rod Matheson ’76 (Champlain College), Jan Olsson ’77 (Otonabee College), Duncan Robertson ’76 (Champlain College), Tom Steele ’76 (Champlain College), Hap Stelling ’72 (Champlain College), Joe van Ruyven ’77 (Peter Robinson College), and Graham Wilkins ’73 (Champlain College). 

Two new rowing shells made possible through generosity of several rowing alumni

The Trent Athletics rowing team will compete in two new shells thanks to the generosity of several proud rowing alumni.

The new double, called ‘Scull and Bones’, is the first new double to officially belong to the University and was made possible through Peter Snell ’87 (Lady Eaton College) and Brent Norrey ’87 (Champlain College).

The new eight, named ‘Carol’s Calling’ after former coach Carol Love, was named by several members of Trent’s men’s varsity rowing team from the late 1970s who made generous contributions to the Trent University Rowing Endowment.

“A huge thank you to these alumni for making incredible gifts to our program,” says Nathan McFadden, the newly appointed director of Athletics & Recreation at Trent University. “The long-term impact of their contributions to our elite rowing program and the student-athlete experience will be evident for years to come.”

On the first day of the 53rd Head of the Trent (HOTT), the Trent University Rowing Club (TURC), Trent Athletics & Recreation, and the Peterborough Rowing Club (PRC) gathered to celebrate the naming and christening of the new shells. Following the formal celebration, alumni were invited for a special row on the Otonabee River, generously supported by PRC.

The PRC and TURC have a strong and unique partnership, particularly evident during HOTT. The Trent club and community club co-host the annual regatta - a premiere rowing competition that attracts thousands of athletes from across North America and has launched the careers of national and Olympic athletes.

Alumni always play a key role in the event including Neil Horne ‘96 (Champlain College) who chairs the regatta.

Jamie Fleming ‘76 (Champlain College) - one of the former ’70s crew who named the new eight - says he and his teammates were happy to support the rowing endowment to continue HOTT’s incredible legacy and celebrate the friendships they formed on the water. He says the friends have bonded for life and return to HOTT frequently to row in the alumni division.

“We are delighted to now support current student athletes as we truly understand that the teamwork, dedication, and hard work from rowing equals success in life, however you measure it,” he says.

Snell and Norrey say they’ll forever be best friends, and connected to Trent, thanks to the “intense” experience of being student rowing athletes together in the ’80s.

“We hope the brand-new double supports current students on the team, helping them feel empowered when competing with other universities across Canada,” Snell says.

Over the past six decades, Trent Athletics has produced Olympic rowing champions and fostered a strong sense of community and personal development for thousands of student athletes.

Learn about the Trent University Rowing Endowment, which secures opportunities for future generations of student athletes and solidifies Trent’s position as a premier national destination for elite rowing. To discuss opportunities, please contact Beth Pelow, Senior Development Officer, Athletics at bethpelow@trentu.ca