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| | Santa Barbara Rowing Association2025 in Review |
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| An alumni-founded non-profit dedicated to supporting the UCSB Rowing Team |
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| Dear SBRA Members & Supporters,
As we close our first year as an official non-profit, we want to pause and say thank you. Your belief in our mission, your financial support, and your willingness to get involved made SBRA possible. Because of you, the Santa Barbara Rowing Association has launched, grown, and begun making a meaningful impact for our current rowing team and alumni community.
What started as an idea to better support our athletes and strengthen our alumni network has become a well-established non-profit with momentum, structure, and a clear vision for the future.
This newsletter is a snapshot of what we built together in our inaugural year, and where we’re headed next. |
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| | Our Mission
SBRA’s mission is to support the growth and long-term sustainability of the UCSB Rowing Team by strengthening the alumni network, improving access to equipment and resources, and creating lasting opportunities for today’s athletes and the program.
2025 Financial OverviewSBRA believes transparency builds trust. Below is a summary of SBRA’s finances for the 2025 fiscal year. |
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| Breakdown of Funds Raised |
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| | FundraisingIn 2025, we launched our first major fundraiser to replenish broken down equipment that the team needs. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed — your support made this possible. Here are the results of the Equipment Fundraiser Ring It Up: |
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| The 2010s showed up and showed out! They won on dollars raised and number of donors. Congrats Alumni from the 2010s. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?
Equipment remains the team’s largest ongoing expense and a key area where we can make the greatest impact. SBRA also supports the UCSB Rowing Team at regattas by providing tents and food, creating a welcoming space for rowers, parents, supporters, and alumni.
We hope you will join us at the 2026 San Diego Crew Classic for our first tent sponsorship. Stop by to meet new rowers, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy food with the UCSB rowing community. |
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| | What Your Support AccomplishedIn 2025, your contributions directly supported the purchase of: 1 new 2026 Tracker Coaching launch 
This new launch replaces one of four aging, failure-prone coaching launches that have been actively limiting the team’s on-the-water development. We aim to provide additional launches and motors this year.
New lights for the boathouse 
UCSB Head Coaches Sean McCrea and Brooke Downes installing new lights in the boathouse.
Food for rowers at 2025 San Diego Fall Classic 
SBRA purchased lunch for all athletes racing at the 2025 San Diego Fall Classic.
Coaching Tools: Headlamps NK Megaphones Speedcoaches Boat repair materials
Because of you, over 100+ novice and varsity athletes were able to train and compete with better resources.
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| | Upcoming Team & Alumni EventsHere is what is coming up for the current team and SBRA community: 
You can also checkout this schedule on our website.
San Diego Crew Classic ScheduleFriday: Saturday: Sunday: Alumni RacingIf you are interested in racing with the alumni at San Diego Crew Classic or another event this year, please reach out to Joseph Pearson, Alumni Relations Secretary: jjpierce2225@gmail.com |
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| | Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Women’s Rowing TeamJoin SBRA and UCSB Development at the San Diego Crew Classic as we celebrate 55 years of the women’s rowing team after Friday’s races, with food, community, and the dedication of a new boat in memory of the late Amy Fuller Kearney.
Since 1971, the UCSB Women’s Rowing team has trained fierce athletes, built lifelong friendships, and carved a legacy of excellence. We are proud to celebrate the 55th anniversary of this incredible program and honor the pioneers who made it possible: Debby Ayars DeAngelis, Randi Ellman, Julie Morrison, Chris Boniface, and Ellen Humphreyville.
A group of women alumni from across the decades has also begun meeting monthly to build community and momentum around commemorating women’s rowing at UCSB.
If you would like more information or are interested in joining the planning committee for the SDCC celebration, please reach out to Kelly Garvey (kellygarvey@ucsb.edu).
(above) The first year of UCSB women’s rowing was 1971, with team members Julie Morrison, Randi Ellman, Debby Ayars DeAngelis, Ellen Humpreville, and Chris Boniface, coached by Karl Borgstrom and Bill Stout. During the inaugural year, rowing took place primarily on the lagoon, and the team earned its first shirts at Cachuma in competition with St. Mary’s. Photo credits to Debby Ayars DeAngelis. 
(above) The second year of UCSB women’s rowing, the first 8+, in 1972 coached by Bill Stout and Debby Ayars DeAngelis. At the only nationals at the time, the National Women’s Rowing Association (NWRA), UCSB finished 5th in the 8+, the 2nd fastest college in the competition. Photo credits to Debby Ayars DeAngelis. |
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| | UCSB Crew In MemoriamAmir Khazaieli (1993-2025) 
Amir Reza Khazaieli (#1390) rowed for UCSB from 2011 to 2015, beginning as a novice and developing into a Varsity oarsman while earning his degree in electrical engineering. Known for his energy, humor, and unwavering support of his teammates, Amir was equally at home pushing hard in training as he was cheering loudly from the launch or stands. He competed at ACRA throughout his varsity career and earned a medal in the V4+ his junior year.
Following graduation, Amir pursued entrepreneurial ventures across the United States, including the development of a waterless washing technology that began at UCSB and later received CDC grant funding, with research published in Medicine in Microecology in 2022. He married Dagny Eckert in 2019, and together they welcomed their daughter, Darya, in 2024. Amir passed away on October 31, 2025. He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a faithful friend, and a proud Gaucho whose warmth, drive, and camaraderie left a lasting mark on all who rowed alongside him. - Evan Liddle |
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| John Casken (1940-2024) 
From 1966 to 1970, John Casken served as head coach of the UCSB Rowing Team, bringing his rich rowing experience from England and leaving a lasting mark on the program. Rowers remember him for his unique approach to training, his dedication, and the camaraderie he fostered among the team. After UCSB, John pursued a career in nursing and was a professor at the University of Hawaii for many years. His contributions to rowing and recreation were recognized with his induction into the UCSB Recreation Department Hall of Fame. John passed away at his home in Hawaii on Sunday, October 27, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and community that continues to inspire the UCSB Rowing program.
To learn more about John and the early history of the program, check out our newly updated history page.
If you would like to submit life events for SBRA to post in the future, please reach out to SBRA’s secretary, Kelly Garvey at kellygarvey@ucsb.edu. |
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| | Looking Ahead to 2026In 2026, SBRA is focused on: Launching an annual SBRA membership for alumni, supporters, and parents, with all proceeds directly supporting the current rowing team. Continuing the equipment fundraiser and aiming to raise $100,000 for the team by July 2026. Hosting annual events for alumni to connect and celebrate with the current team. Strengthening the alumni network through events, LinkedIn, and social media to foster connections and support. Building long-term financial sustainability for the UCSB Rowing program.
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| Join our MissionWe always need people willing to volunteer their time and effort to the SBRA Board. Please fill out this form if you are interested in joining our Board: SBRA Board Interest Form
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| Thank You!This all has happened because of you!
Whether you donated, volunteered, attended events, or stayed connected — you helped launch something meaningful. On behalf of the board and everyone involved with SBRA, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build the foundation for years to come.
With gratitude, Santa Barbara Rowing Association Email Website |
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