BOATHOUSE PROJECT

by Darin Payne

Conceptual Drawing

As an OSU alumnus and former coxswain, I am proud to be associated with the rowing program again. I am thrilled with the coaching staff and their dedication, not only to the student-athletes, but of their commitment to a storied program. Our coaches wear many hats - coach, counselor, recruiter, manager, trainer, etc. A new aspect of their position is fundraising and their commitment to this should make you proud too. They welcome the role of a fundraiser for the Boathouse Project.

The kick-off to this project was held last March. The event was successful on many levels, raising over $200,000 in one night. Rowing alums who graduated as far back as the 40's attended and were able to interact with the current rowers. The stories and experiences of past and present rowers were nearly identical - the balance of academics and athletics, teammates, developing lifelong friendships, countless hours spent on the river, and the opportunity to compete were common themes.

At the March kick-off event we played a

video of the current facilities, which are inadequate and insufficient, and presented the plans for the upgraded facilities, which are tasteful and stay true to the tradition of OSU Rowing. Tying into the kick-off event was the boat dedication of retired long time Women's Head Coach, Charlie Owen. Owen, and his wife Kristina, made a significant contribution to the project. Join him, join your friends and teammates, and please consider a donation of your own.

The upgrades include a training room that will accomodate enough ergometers for today's team size, increased boat storage, functional locker rooms, laundry room, and meeting rooms for the coaches and rowers.

To date, over $425,000 has been raised toward the Boathouse Project. This is a drastically needed upgrade. The total cost for this project is $2.5 million. The majority of these donations are private gifts. Private donations have funded the upgraded football stadium, baseball stadium, renovations in Gill Coliseum, and the new Sports Performance Center, a 20,000 square foot workout facility for all 500 student-athletes to use. Your support is critical to bringing this project to fruition.


Conceptual Site/Floor Plan

Donations can be made as a pledge, commonly spread over three to five years. This allows your gift to have a significant impact on a new boathouse. Whether the donation is $5,000 or $50,000, spreading the donation out is designed to help you and help the project. The donations are fully tax deductible.

Please contact Emily or Steve with any questions about the Boathouse Project or making a donation. Thank you and Go Beavs!