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Dear SBRA Community,
What an unforgettable weekend this year at the San Diego Crew Classic. From thrilling races to milestone celebrations and the incredible support of our community, this weekend was a powerful reminder of what makes UCSB rowing so special.
We are deeply grateful to everyone—athletes, coaches, alumni, families, UCSB Development, and supporters—who made it all possible.
This year’s gathering was especially significant as we honored 60 years of UCSB racing in San Diego, dating back to 1966. For six decades, UCSB has raced on Mission Bay, building tradition, camaraderie, and memories which continue to inspire each generation of Gauchos. We also celebrated the pioneering spirit of the women’s team, which first took to the water in 1971, paving the way for 55 years of women’s rowing excellence at UCSB. |
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Our crews delivered outstanding performances this weekend, with multiple podium finishes: 🥇 Women’s Varsity 8+ – 1st place (7:17.803) – ACRA Invitational 🥇 Women’s Varsity 8+ – 1st place (7:52.713) – Grace Rett Memorial Cup 🥇 Women’s Novice 8+ – 1st place (8:29.420) 🥇 Men’s Varsity 8+ (B Final) – 1st place (6:47.367) – Active&Fit Cal Cup 🥈 Men’s Varsity 8+ – 2nd place (6:22.385) – ACRA Invitational 🥈 Men’s Lightweight 8+ – 2nd place (7:17.858) 🥉 Women’s Varsity 4+ – 3rd place (9:04.628) Men’s 2V8+ – 8th place (7:11.970) – Bill Weber Memorial Cup Men’s Novice 8+ – 6th place (8:02.008) – Derek Guelker Memorial Cup
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Our alumni team - IVRC [bottom left], also delivered some great racing on Friday: 🥇 Men’s Alumni 8+ (Flight 2) – 1st place (6:23.757) Men’s Alumni 8+ (Flight 1) – 5th place (6:44.935) Women’s Alumnae 8+ Final – 5th place (8:12.390)
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Friday’s Celebration of 55 Years of Women's Rowing |
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| On Friday evening, we celebrated 55 years of women’s rowing at UCSB with a night of reflection, gratitude, and connection. SBRA hosted the gathering in the largest alumni tent along the racecourse, bringing together athletes, coaches, and generations of alumni for an unforgettable reunion. |
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Hosted by Kelly Garvey, the program brought to life the history of women’s rowing at UCSB through the voices of those who lived it. Randi (Ellman) Heinrichsen opened the evening with a heartfelt story of humble beginnings—how a simple invitation for a weekend row sparked the formation of a team that would grow into something far greater than anyone could have imagined. |
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| Bill Stout followed with stories that blended humor and wisdom, offering a glimpse into the early days of coaching and the relationships that shaped the program.
Dennis Borsenberger provided important context, reflecting on the transformative impact of Title IX and the rapid rise of women’s collegiate rowing across the country.
Dennis invited three of the founders of the men’s team in attendance to be recognized for starting the whole program in 1965-1966, Stewart Brown, Mike Jefferies, and Steve Gallant [below: left to right]. Dennis also shared the remarkable journey of Sue Morgan, whose rise from novice Gaucho rower to Olympian remains one of the most inspiring stories in our history. |
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Sue then took the stage herself, captivating everyone with reflections on her rowing career—one that continues to this day, as evidenced by the medal she still wore from racing earlier that very afternoon.
Peggy Johnston gave an inspiring talk about rowing at UCSB and beyond, noting that she started in one of the classes Dennis used to teach in the barge on the lagoon to winning world championships as a lightweight sculler well into her 30’s. Peggy highlighted how rowing has provided her and her fellow cohort with lasting benefits and a lifelong sisterhood. |
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| The evening concluded on a deeply emotional note as Mike Piette shared memories of coaching Amy Fuller—recalling her arrival at UCSB and the extraordinary talent and determination that quickly set her apart. Remembering Amy, who we lost three years ago, was a moment that resonated deeply with everyone present. |
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We then gathered for the dedication of a new women’s shell in Amy Fuller Kearney’s honor, with her former UCSB and National Team teammates [above left to right: Wendy Wilbur, Suzie Walther, Torrey Palmer, and Laura Simon] leading the tribute. It was a powerful and fitting celebration of her legacy. |
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The varsity women raced in the Amy Fuller Kearney shell throughout the SDCC weekend—winning both the ACRA Women’s Collegiate 8+ Invitational and the Grace Rett Memorial Cup—carrying her spirit forward with every stroke. The new racing shell Amy Fuller Kearney stands undefeated today. |
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Amy Fuller Kearney Donation Wall |
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This dedication would not have been possible without the generosity of over 40 donors: Adriane A. Turner Alan Renga Amanda M. Pearson Annemarie Lynch Catherine A. Schreier Chhanseda S. Lanterman Chris Ballard Christian D. Noack Christine French Ciaran K. Hiney Colleen G. Pizarev Dan W. Long Deborah De Angelis Deborah H. Underwood Dominique G. Savage Emily P. Merriman Eric Granrud Erik Jarvie Erinn McMahan Greg Gillott Jennifer C. Pence John E. Lanterman John T. Reed Joseph Pearson Justin G. Loranger Karoliina I. Nevalainen Hansten Kevin Mahoney Lilith M. Faucher Maisie D. Edsall-Lingenfelter Mary and Mark Maxson Megan C. Salinas Ori Katz Patrick Lindstrom Paul Habibi Peter A. Sigal Rennata Levy Ryan M. Morrison Ryan S. Peffers Santa Barbara Community Rowing Sean C. Linley Steve Meaney
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SD Crew Classic Fundraising Report |
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Our community came together to support essential team needs through fundraising efforts benefiting tent reservations, team meals, and the Women’s 55th Anniversary celebration. These funds combined with SBRA support allow us to create a well-supported race environment for our athletes at major regattas like SDCC.
Funds Raised: Regatta Fundraiser: $1,790 55th Women’s Anniversary Funds Raised: $2,545
San Diego Crew Classic Costs Covered by funds raised and SBRA: |
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Friday night’s Chipotle dinner—fueling over 130 rowers and attendees—was made possible by over 20 generous contributors: |
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Saturday and Sunday Donor Wall |
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Throughout the weekend, our athletes were supported with incredible care and coordination: Breakfast each morning was organized by SBRA, families, alumni, and supporters, with special thanks to Steve Gallant and Karen Vaira for leading the setup. Saturday’s BBQ lunch was led by Rebecca Gronsdahl and Sean Linley [above]. Sunday lunch was coordinated by Karina Worden, ensuring athletes stayed fueled through final races and trailer loading.
Food Contributors:
Food Donors:
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Interested in volunteering at WIRA? |
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If you are interested in volunteering at WIRA to facilitate food purchases or set up the tent, please reach out to the current team’s Alumni Outreach Coordinators, Marie Christodoulou and Claire Cady (ucsbcrewalumni@gmail.com). |
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| | Pre-order now for pickup at WIRA (April 25–26, Lake Natoma), with shipping options opening afterward: Gold IVRC Racing Tanks ($25) – Small, Medium, Large, XL Grey IVRC Hoodies ($50) – Small, Medium, Large, XL Navy/White Melin Hats featuring the SBRA logo ($90) – Small, Medium, Large
Current Inventory |
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If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else to serve on the SBRA board, please use the SBRA Board Interest Form.
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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