About Us

Pine-Richland Crew offers various levels so that kids can choose a program that fits their goals, whether it be recreational or competitive rowing. The classes are steps for growing into the sport and gaining confidence on the water. There's a place for every potential rower, regardless of size, level of fitness, or athletic experience. You decide how much time you want to commit based on your specific goals.

Team History

The Pine-Richland Crew Team was founded by Anne Pfennigwerth in 2002. Every year, it seems like the team is growing stronger and getting larger. This section of the web site provides general information about the Pine-Richland Crew Team. The team rows out of the Millvale boathouse on the Allegheny River.

In 2007, Pine-Richland School District recognized crew as a club sport when the team came under the leadership of Florin Curuea, a former elite rower from the Romanian Olympic team. Thanks to the vision of the school district, as well as its financial support, a rowing program can now be offered to a larger numbers of students. As a result, opportunities for college scholarships have become increasingly available to students, even without recognition from the WPIAL. Without WPIAL backing, it is still extremely difficult for high school rowing programs to exist, let alone become competitve since the all of the club's expenses must be absorbed by the parents.

Purpose
The purpose of the Pine-Richland Crew is to provide an activity where students can have fun, make lasting friendships, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, learn the value of "team", compete on a regional and national basis, and experience success. All of our students have an opportunity to compete at their level of ability.

Collegiate Rowing/Scholarships
Many colleges actively recruit crew athletes and offer a whole range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Rowing is a special skill that develops so many beneficial qualities like discipline and focus for students. Competitive junior rowers present an attractive edge in the college application process. For more information about colleges that offer rowing programs, click here. Any additional information can be retrieved from the USRowing website.