SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Despite the chilly temperatures and frozen conditions on the Mohawk River this winter, the Union College men's and women's crew teams have been hard at work preparing for the spring thanks to the program's new indoor training facility, which was recently completed inside Alumni Gym.
 
The project was spearheaded by the generosity of major benefactors Chuck '88 and Katie Lane, Henry (P'21) Owsley and Alexa Van de Walle, and Peter '93 and Daphne Schwab, as well as numerous other supporters of the program. The space was created by renovating a racquetball and squash court in Alumni Gym and converting it into a new permanent home for the Union crew programs.
 
"Our programs are so thankful for the generous donations that made this new facility possible," said head men's and women's crew coach Tom White. "The ability to practice throughout the winter and the flexibility allowed by an on-campus rowing space are incredible improvements for our program and will help to enhance rowing at Union. Our current and future student-athletes will all benefit tremendously from this addition to our program."
 
The primary highlight of the facility is a four-seat sweep/sculling tank, which allows student-athletes the opportunity to practice year-round in optimal conditions. In addition to allowing rowers to practice at more convenient times that work around their class schedules, the facility provides the coaching staff the ability to give live instruction at close range, something that is not possible on the river.
 
The facility also includes multiple ergometers for use before and after practice as well as permanent office and meeting space for the crew coaching staff. The space allows the teams to have their own unique home throughout the year to complement the Union Boathouse that is used during the fall and spring.

"This new rowing facility will have a positive daily impact on our student-athletes and help to raise our men's and women's crew programs to the next level," said Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93. "To Chuck and Katie, Henry and Alexa, and Peter and Daphne, we offer our sincerest appreciation and thanks for supporting our teams and improving the experience of our student-athletes."

In the video below, captains Benjamin Weiss '23 and Marina Angelopoulos '21 express their gratitude to the supporters of the program that made this facility possible and discuss some of the many benefits of the new on-campus facility.