Dear Friends of OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak:
2010 has been a remarkable year for the Oklahoma River and Oklahoma City University including milestone events and exciting developments that continue to bolster remarkable momentum. It is exciting to reflect that just 10 years ago our now vibrant Oklahoma River existed as a desolate landscape that was just beginning its historic transformation made possible by the original Metropolitan Area Projects. It was also 10 years ago that a fledgling rowing club formed at Oklahoma City University, inspired by the opportunity to bring intercollegiate rowing to downtown Oklahoma City. The vision of a single boathouse seemed like an insurmountable dream and our current U.S. Olympic Training Site was not navigable to any type of boat or conducive to training and competition.
It is with this perspective that we reflect on 2010 as a year that firmly positioned Oklahoma City University as a new leader in the sport of rowing and canoe/kayak. The Oklahoma River has blossomed as a vital community asset and a master plan vision of a true “boathouse district” is now becoming reality. The following are some of 2010’s many highlights:
· The City of Oklahoma City transformed the Oklahoma River shoreline for the Boathouse District including carving out inlets, contouring the shoreline, creating a walkway along the river’s edge, and developing an expansive new parking area on 6th street
· Construction began on the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower and a “topping out” celebration with the lifting of a 30-foot evergreen tree with white lights to the top of the tower highlighted the holiday season
· The Oklahoma River was home to two national championship events hosted by OKCBF: The American Collegiate National Championship and the USA Canoe/Kayak National Championship with OCU winning medals in each
· OCU launched the nation’s first varsity canoe/kayak program
· The OCU Head of the Oklahoma returned to the Boathouse District with thousands of spectators, a record number of athletes, and the spectacular OGE NightSprints
· The $10 million Devon Boathouse, home of OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak, was completed and christened during the Blu Party. The iconic boathouse is undoubtedly the most advanced high performance center for rowing and canoe/kayak in the world
· OCU Rowing won the all-points trophy at the Head of the Hooch
· USRowing announced that Oklahoma City will now be the official home to the US National Lightweight Team and the Center for Advanced Coaching Education
These accomplishments would not be possible without the ongoing generous support of our fans, supporters, and many dedicated volunteers. As we look to the future, the growing opportunities to bolster the remarkable success of OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak require additional support from organizations and individuals. To address our sustainability and competitive goals, we are expanding our efforts to seek financial support and ask you to consider being a part of the inaugural “Admiral’s Club,” named in honor of famed OCU trustee and passionate river pioneer Ray Ackerman. Donors of $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized as inaugural members of the Admiral’s Club on the beautiful new donor wall in the entrance of the Devon Boathouse. A one-time gift or ongoing pledge will help ensure a legacy of success for our OCU rowing and paddling teams on the Oklahoma River. The Admiral’s Club overview is attached for your consideration.
Just as the original MAPS river project inspired great hope and optimism with the impounding of water back into the river, we enter 2011 with the launch of the MAPS 3 river projects on the immediate horizon. OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak will experience continued momentum with these upcoming milestones:
· 2011 will bring the largest events ever staged on the Oklahoma River with the USRowing Masters Nationals and the return of international racing to the USA Rowing World Challenge during the OCU Head of the Oklahoma
· OCU rowing and canoe/kayak athletes will participate in national selection events and will be considered for national team camp positions
· The Devon Boathouse will offer state of the art new amenities for the OCU athletes to experience (to be unveiled in January) along with a growing number of elite athletes relocating to Oklahoma City
· The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower will also open as a gleaming new international rowing and canoe/kayak landmark and community gathering point
· OCU rowing and canoe/kayak anticipates welcoming a strong new recruiting class
· The Oklahoma River will glow under lights as MAPS 3 transforms the Oklahoma River into the only permanently lit rowing and kayaking course in the world
Thank you for your interest and support of our OCU water sports and the Oklahoma River. We are very fortunate to be experiencing the historic transformation of the Oklahoma River and the formation of OCU rowing and paddling traditions that will impact Oklahoma City and the Olympic Movement for generations to come.
Just like a crew pulling together to cross the finish line in first place, our community of supporters have propelled the Oklahoma River from a dream into one of the leading rowing and kayaking destinations in the nation. This momentum is propelling OCU into a leader in Olympic water sports. I graciously welcome you to join our crew in 2011 with your participation and support of the Admiral’s Club.
On behalf of the athletes and coaches of OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak, I wish you a very Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Mike Knopp
Director/ Head Coach
