Overview

Rowing at Carleton University is more than just a sport; it’s a legacy of teamwork, perseverance, and pride. The Carleton Ravens Varsity Rowing Team brings together dedicated student-athletes who balance demanding academics with intense training on and off the water. Every morning, before most of campus wakes up, our athletes are out on the Ottawa River, pushing themselves and each other to reach new heights.

Through this campaign, we are raising funds to strengthen our program and ensure that every rower has the equipment, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. Whether competing at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championships, the Canadian University Rowing Championships (CURC), or representing Carleton internationally, our team strives to embody the spirit of excellence that defines the Raven community.

This season has been one of the most historic in our program’s history. Our women’s coxed four, women’s lightweight single, and women’s heavyweight double went undefeated in all their head race appearances this fall. The women’s coxed four capped off this run with a commanding 21-second victory at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, marking the first back-to-back win at this prestigious event for the program after earning Carleton’s first-ever victory there last year.

At the OUA Championships, our women’s coxed four added a strong silver medal, while the women’s lightweight single captured gold. According to our coaching records, this was the first women’s gold in program history and Carleton’s first OUA gold in 11 years for either the men’s or women’s team. At the Canadian University Rowing Championships, the women’s lightweight single and the women’s heavyweight double both secured bronze medals, the first medals for the women’s team in 25 years.

Several additional performances also highlighted the depth and momentum of our program. The Novice Men’s Eight and Novice Men’s Four both won their events at the Head of the Rideau, while the Novice Men’s Four and Novice Women’s Four captured first place at the Head of the Trent. At CUs, the men’s lightweight coxed four advanced to the A Final, a significant achievement at the national level. This season also marked one of the largest and strongest teams Carleton has sent to both OUAs and CUs, reflecting the program’s growing reach and competitive strength.

Your support helps us continue this tradition of excellence, allowing our student-athletes to train safely, compete proudly, and represent Carleton with distinction.

The Background

Our cause is student development through sport. Rowing is a uniquely demanding discipline that teaches perseverance, teamwork, and resilience; values that last long after graduation. However, the costs associated with training, equipment maintenance, regatta travel, and coaching resources can be overwhelming for student-athletes.

By contributing to this campaign, you’re investing in the next generation of leaders; students who learn the importance of commitment, integrity, and collaboration through rowing. Your generosity directly supports their ability to grow both on and off the water.

The Rollout

Funds raised through this campaign will be used to:

• Maintain and upgrade equipment, including boats, oars, and safety gear essential for training and competition.

• Support travel expenses for major competitions such as the OUA and CURC championships, ensuring all qualified athletes can compete regardless of financial barriers.

• Enhance coaching and training resources, including access to strength and conditioning programs and technical equipment like rowing ergometers and SpeedCoaches.

Every dollar helps us create a safer, more equitable, and more competitive environment for our student-athletes.

The Impact

The impact of this campaign extends far beyond the rowing dock.

• Academically, rowing instills time management, discipline, and focus; qualities that help our athletes excel in their studies.

• Personally, it fosters resilience, teamwork, and lifelong friendships.

• In the community, the team represents Carleton at national and local events, inspiring younger athletes and strengthening the bond between the university and Ottawa’s rowing community.

By supporting the Carleton Varsity Rowing Team, donors are helping to build well-rounded graduates who carry the values of determination, teamwork, and leadership into every part of their lives.