St. Catharines, ON - Brock University rowing coach Joe Dowd announced today his intention to step down as head coach of the Brock Badger's successful Men's and Women's rowing program. Coach Dowd cited personal reasons for his decision to leave coaching, " I've been going hard at this job for eleven years now and I just feel that it is time for me to pursue some other interests. I have had a wonderful experience at Brock University and I am very proud of what has been accomplished during my watch."
Coach Dowd is credited with transforming the Brock Rowing program into Canada's top club and university team. In the eleven years of Dowd's tenure Brock rowers have won over 60 OUA gold medals, 48 gold medals at the Canadian Henley Regatta, 5 OUA Team Championships and 3 National University Championships. Nineteen athletes from the Brock University Rowing Club have represented Canada on a variety of National teams and these athletes have won gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Championships.
"Joe has taken the rowing program at Brock University to national and international prominence," said Brock University Director of Athletics Dr. Lorne Adams. " His legacy here is one of the pursuit of excellence at the highest levels. We will miss his passion, his focus and commitment. Personally, I will miss a valued colleague and friend. I wish him every success as he moves forward on his chosen path."
Dowd has been recognized for excellence in coaching by all of Canada's rowing governing bodies in fact Coach Dowd and his assistants at Brock University have been recognized for coaching excellence in each of his eleven seasons at the helm of Brock Rowing. Personally Coach Dowd has been a three time recipient of the Provincial Coach of the year award, three time Rowing Canada Coach of the Year, four time OUA Coach of the year and Ontario coach of the year.
Coach Dowd will stay on with the Badgers until June 30, 2004. A nationwide search will be conducted for his replacement.