By O’Shaka Robinson, Sports Writer
Faculty and staff have been spotted on the river as part of the Riversport Corporate Rowing League of Oklahoma City.
Team captain Valerie Robinson of Human Resources was on last year’s team and created the team’s nickname, “Star Chasers.”
“Rather than being the Stars again, we made it to where we are chasing the experience,” Robinson said.
Beginning in April, the rowing team is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. each Saturday for practice at the boathouse.
More than 40 corporate teams participate each season.
“It’s a league put together for people with full-time
jobs looking for something a little different to participate in,” Robinson said. “Some people like to run or bike, and this is the same level of fitness.”
Teams are comprised of eight to 10 rowers who practice weekly in preparation for 500m sprint races.
There is also a dragon boat team, which is less strenuous and technical than rowing.
The rowing team bills itself as perfect for those beginning an exercise routine as well as those who want to add a cross-training challenge to a regular exercise routine.
Participants have access to the boathouse fitness center, a 90-minute weekly practice session and a boat with a coach and coxswain.
Participants will also have access to the fitness facility in the Chesapeake Boathouse, 725 S. Lincoln Boulevard, and may attend any of the group classes.
Last season, OCU was in the “Land-lover” division, which meant nobody on the team had any experience in rowing before.
This year’s team will compete in the “Rookie” division, where most teams included have at least one year of experience.
Besides Robinson, veterans of the team include James Ma, James Chen, Kelli Keegan, Joey Croslin, Jennifer Prilliman, and Leslie Long.
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