Oct. 15, 2009

By Michelle DeLong '07

PHILADELPHIA - Recent alumni have been mulling over the idea of getting an alumni boat together for some time now. It was only a matter of time that an appropriate opportunity would arise. When Coach Mike Malloy decided to enter a woman’s eight at the Row For The Cure event on October 11, mustering up girls wasn’t too difficult of a challenge. Kellie Fagan ’05, Jeannie Girard ’04, Kelly Zavertnik ’05, Patrice Girard ’08, Aimee Nichols ’07, Michelle DeLong ’07, Rose Fisher ’05 and Caitrin Murphy ’05 jumped at the chance to not only reunite with fellow rowers but to get back on the water for a charitable event.

Kelly Zavertnik commented, “It was great to see so many alumni come together for such a great cause. I hope Row For The Cure becomes a continuing tradition in which more La Salle Crew alumni can get involved in the future.” Also, making an appearance was Coach Linda, who not only rowed for La Salle as a student but was a member of the coaching staff.

Rowers of all types took part in the annual event, which raised money for the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Events for the day included a ceremonial parade of boats rowed by breast cancer survivors and competitive rowing by scull/sweep rowing, dragon boats, kayaks and canoes. Also on hand was great food, merchandise and breast health education.

It seemed fitting to have a woman’s boat represent La Salle University and participate in not only raising money and awareness for breast cancer research but to celebrate survivors and remember those who we’ve lost.

Kellie Fagan noted, “I'm always looking for any excuse to get on the water with my fellow alumna, but this race was especially close to my heart. There are a number of women in my life who have battled breast cancer. This race was in honor of those who have fought and won, and in memory of those who have fought and lost.”

The race course was set up as a three mile head race down river, which seemed long and tiresome to the rowers who haven’t been on the water in a few years. There was no doubt that getting out of bed the next day may involve a few sore muscles.

Aimee Nichols stated, “It was good to get back in the boat and I had a really good time seeing the alumni. I know I’ll be hurting tomorrow but I really hope we can do it again next year!”