Greater Dayton Rowing Association
History of the Organization

The idea of a starting for rowing club in Dayton began the 1992. The first step was initiated by Todd Sobol who contacted the United States Rowing Association to collect the list of their membership in the greater Dayton area. In May, 1992, a small group of five rowers met for the first time to discuss promotion of the Olympic sport of rowing in the Dayton area. The starting five included Todd Sobol, Jim Wall, Steve Herbert, Ralph Leinenger and Richard Brown.

Led by Todd Sobol and Jim Wall, the group met with City of Dayton officials and outlined three specific directives for the club's charter. First, development of adult masters rowing through teaching clinics, recreational rowing programs and competitive level training opportunities. Second, development of a high school juniors program to introduce students to the sport of rowing and provide the opportunity for competition. Third, assist the University of Dayton crew team and any other local college crews with the development of their programs.

The club began its task by first identifying individuals in the area with rowing experience. An article appeared in the newspaper and rowers join together. Among those who enthusiastically joined the new club was Charlie Doyle with his vast years of rowing experience. He and Stephen Herbert had been storing their singles hanging from the ceiling at the Dayton Canoe Club.

Through private donations, funds were raised to purchase of equipment. The first boats purchased for the club included a 1964 wooden Pocock 8 , Kaschper 4+ and sweep oars used by Ohio State University. Boats were launched by wading into the water at Island Park. Through the City of Dayton and Department of Recreation and Parks , permission was granted to store equipment on Island Park. An area adjacent to Box 21 was fenced and outdoor storage racks were constructed.

By September, 1992, GDRA sponsored its first racing events in association with the Dayton Canoe Club. In October, 1992, a new dock was built and launched into the Great Miami River at Island Park after permission was gained from the Miami Conservancy District.

The club was officially incorporated in November, 1992. The first Board of Trustees were selected including Todd Sobol, Jim Wall, Richard Brown, Barbara O'Hara and Steven Herbert. Todd Sobol continued to serve as the first club president, treasurer, and newsletter editor until 1998. Jim Wall assumed the role of club president in 1999 and continues to lead the club. Doug Barker was added to the Board of Trustees in 1998 as Richard Brown departed. He also assumed the role of boathouse manager. Linda Clemens became club treasurer in 1998.

In August, 1993, the club hosted its first United States Rowing Association (USRA) coaching clinic. GDRA sent its first masters competitive men's and women's sweep boats into competition in October, 1993. During the fall racing season, masters men's and women's fours and eights competed successfully in Pittsburgh, Columbus and Indianapolis. In November, 1993 the University of Dayton crew team and GDRA combined to bring crew races to the Great Miami River.

In March, 1994, GDRA initiated at the Wright Row Crash-B Sprints indoor ergometer regatta in conjunction with St. Elizabeth Medical Center Sports Medicine Department. This annual winter competition continued until 1998.

The Dayton's first high school rowing programs began in the Spring of 1994. Thirty-five male and female students from Fairmont High School, Oakwood High School, Miami Valley School and the Alpha School joined the program. In 1998, Ben Boehm became the men's coach while Mary Kunes the charge as the women's coach. Charlie Doyle became the Executive Director of the high school program in 1999.

The Dayton Rowing Foundation was established in 1995 as a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization to help provide financial support for the youth rowing program.

Adult Learn to Row programs were initiated in the spring of 1994 to teach sculling technique to novice rowers. Wendy Peters, a graduate of the Learn to Row program, took charge of organizing the coaches and students in 2000.

The Board of Trustees felt the future growth of the rowing program would rely heavily on the development of appropriate storage facilities with easy access to water. Since no such building existed, Island Park (located at the junction of the Great Miami and Stillwater Rivers) was felt to be an optimal site to construct a new boathouse. Plans were drawn and presented to city officials. After 18 months of numerous meetings with various organizations and departments, extensive education and promotion of the sport of rowing, the boathouse became a reality opening in September, 1995.

A close relationship was initiated in 1996 with Five Rivers Metro Parks and its CEO, Marvin Olinsky. As Island Park was being revived and transformed, rowing became a high-profile activity. The club has continued to thrive based on the supportive relationship with Five Rivers Metro Parks and its current CEO, Charlie Shoemaker who assumed leadership in 2000.

The annual Five Rivers Fall Regatta has been growing in popularity with high school teams and masters rowers from around the Midwest since it was initiated in 1995. This 2000 meter head style raise has grown from 120 participants to well over 1000. Up to 3000 spectators annually visit Island Park to watch spectacle. The Olinsky Trophy has been presented each year to the fastest men's and women's crew. Jim Wall has served as the chairman of the event since its initiation. Supported by Becky Doyle organizing registration, the event has been called "one of the best races in the Midwest" by participants.

The Greater Dayton Rowing Association was recognized in about Sports in Dayton, A Bicentennial Retrospective by Ritter Collett published in 1996. Numerous articles have been published in the Dayton Daily News over the years.