Welcome to year two of Saint Joseph’s University Summer Youth Rowing Program!
Our mission: Provide comprehensive rowing and training education and support to youth (age 14-18 years) rowers and coxswains across the country.
Focus is on the fundamentals of the sport: building a strong athletic foundation by learning how to row, train, and ultimately, race. Concurrently, we strengthen character and nurture personal development as we instill a love for the physical and mental work that sustains young athletes as rowers and racers -- and most importantly as human beings.
Our Distinction
Our approach shapes students of the sport. To ensure individualized attention, we cap program enrollment at 30 participants, this includes rowers and coxswains.
Program Goals:
1) Improve sweep and sculling technical skills both in a boat and on the rowing erg ergometer. This will include video review;
2) Build fitness through comprehensive land-based training that includes strength, mobility conditioning, stretching, and yoga.
3) Breakout education sessions on boat rigging; college selection and admissions; nutrition; and sports performance psychology.
This youth program shall be open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender).
Coaching Staff
Our coaches have a depth of experience at high school, collegiate and national team levels. You’ll find the coaches’ contact information and bios linked below:
Cassandra Cunningham – Program Director
Phone: (650) 278-0307
https://p3pe.net/about/
Mike Irwin – Program Director
Phone: (215) 262-0360
https://sjuhawks.com/sports/mens-rowing/roster/coaches/mike-irwin/759
Learning from Racing
Our commitment to athlete development includes the opportunity to test skills and fitness in a competitive environment. The program culminates with races at the Philadelphia Youth Regatta on July 22, 2023. Families are welcome to join us to watch!
Program Details
Participants will row in both sweep and sculling boats, launching from the Saint Joseph’s University Boathouse on the Schuylkill River. Tour the boathouse here.
Land training and video review of athlete technique will take place at P3PE Fitness, aka The Barn. The Barn is in the East Falls neighborhood, less than 2 miles from the Saint Joseph’s University Boathouse. Owned by program directors, Cassandra Cunningham and Mike Irwin, the Barn offers state-of-the-art training equipment, including ergometers, weights, and stationary bikes. The Barn has big-screen televisions for review sessions as well as open space to host our guest speakers.
A weekly activity breakout is as follows:
- 8 water sessions
- 3 erg sessions
- 2 running sessions
- 2 strength and conditioning sessions
- 1 yoga session
- Video review session (filmed via drone and by coaches from motor launch)
- Breakout education sessions will be hosted throughout the program.
Of course, summer fun and friendship are also a big part of the experience! Team-building activities, such as talent, quizzo, and movie nights, and trips to area beaches and other attractions are planned. (These activities are included in the program fee.)
Housing, Meals, and Transportation
Athletes will stay in dormitory rooms on the campus of Saint Joseph’s University, a 2-mile drive to the Boathouse. Tour the campus here.
The program provides chaperones who live on campus. We will also provide transportation to and from campus to the Boathouse and Barn. The program includes 3 nutritious meals each day.
To register, please complete and submit this form:
Once registration is complete, we will contact you and provide additional program details!
Who do I contact with my questions?
CASSANDRA CUNNINGHAM (650) 278-0307
MIKE IRWIN (215) 262-0360
LESLEH WRIGHT (712) 790-6950
We are here to answer any questions—our contact information is provided above (and link to our bios). Please do not hesitate to reach out! Most of all, we look forward to providing an exceptional summer rowing experience for your young athlete that will have a positive impact for years to come! Thank you.
