PRINCETON, N.J. - The Cooper River in Camden, N.J., will play host to the largest USRowing event in the organization's history, as over 2,000 athletes prepare for the 2015 USRowing Masters National Championships.
Hosted by the County of Camden, Camden County Boathouse and Rutgers Camden Alumni Rowing, Cooper River is no stranger to hosting record-setting regattas. In 2012, the Cooper set the scene for the largest USRowing Club National Championships with 1,426 entries.
The Cooper hosted the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championships for three straight years from 2010-12, as well as the NCAA Women's Rowing Championships in 2009.
The river, situated directly across from the Delaware River and Philadelphia, has gone through extensive remodeling since 2012, and is eager and ready for exciting action on its waters.
Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, the architect of the Camden County boathouse and a $5 million enhancement to Cooper River Park, beamed when he talked about the current regatta season and the USRowing Masters National Championships.
"Having the ability and capacity to host the largest USRowing event ever in the nation is an honor and a testament to Cooper River Park and Camden County," Nash said. "This body of water is a special place for rowers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout our region and generates countless benefits for residents, businesses and the overall community. Furthermore, rowers from all over the country will get the benefit of being on experiencing the best body of water in the world."
Nash continued to point out the new infrastructure that has been constructed since the last USRowing nationals event at the park such as an expansive permanent bathroom facility, a new boat launch and recently installed vista decks along the banks of the waterway for viewing value.
With entries from almost every state, 149 clubs will be represented in 202 events this week.
And with eight adaptive events, this year marks the most opportunities for para rowers at an event as well. Held so close to the Schuylkill River, this year's masters nationals hold a unique opportunity for adaptive rowers to race in multiple events as many rowers with all race in the BAYADA Regatta this weekend as well.
"We are very excited to bring the masters nationals event back to Camden," said USRowing Events Manager A.J. Dominique. "The fact that it has become the largest USRowing event ever is great validation for those who have put so much time and effort into the restoration of the river."
The most subscribed event at this year's regatta, with 222 rowers, is the men's single sculls, though women outnumber men by over 200 entries. In the women's categories, the women's four posts the most entries with 215.
With 95 entries, San Diego Rowing Club leads the field in sending the most crews over Saugatuck Rowing Club (86) and Boston's Community Rowing, Inc. (84).
In Grand Rapids, Mich., the 2014 USRowing Masters National Championships featured nearly 1,500 entries from 120 clubs in 28 states and Canada.
Potomac Boat Club in Washington, D.C., took the overall points trophy with 735 (600 men, 74 women, 61 mixed), 99 points ahead of second-place San Diego Rowing Club (San Diego, Calif.). Potomac's 600 men's points also won the men's points trophy, while taking home the most overall gold medals (30).
The women's points trophy went to Minneapolis Rowing Club (Minneapolis, Minn.), which won 16 gold medals, seven silver and seven bronze for 474 points, 213 ahead of second-place Saugatuck Rowing Club (Westport, Conn.).