A new boathouse for the Greater Columbus Rowing Association is now within reach. This modern facility will not only provide a state-of-the-art home for GCRA and Ohio State women’s rowing, it will put Columbus on the map as a premier rowing venue.

Ohio State has been spearheading its own fundraising effort and the City of Columbus is committed to the project. Now, it’s time to do our part to support construction and ensure GCRA’s place in this marvelous facility.

The new boathouse will be known as The Andy Geiger Boathouse at Griggs Reservoir in tribute to retired OSU athletics director Andy Geiger. You probably know how much Andy did for Ohio State athletics, but you may not know that Andy was himself a rower and a great promoter of the sport. In fact, rowing is one of three women’s sports he added while at OSU. The boathouse is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

An important feature of this new facility is that it will serve as a community resource to attract and train future rowers from throughout greater Columbus. In this way the Andy Geiger Boathouse will provide a strong connection to the community that will help rowing prosper and attract support in central Ohio. The importance of support from the GCRA membership cannot be overemphasized. Before a wider appeal for support is made in the community, we must show that we are committed to this facility and that we are doing our part financially to make it a reality. Naturally, everyone’s financial priorities vary and any level of support will be appreciated greatly. However, after discussing the matter at length, the GCRA board is recommending a pledge of support of $1,000 from each member. Our goal is to contribute a total of $100,000 to the construction of the boathouse.

SHELL STORAGE POLICY

Composition of Indoor Shells: A mixture of club and private shells should be stored indoors. The officers will make an initial determination on the matter, and any further changes of the composition of inside shells should be recommended to the officers by the equipment maintenance committee. The Officers unanimously agreed that preference should go to club shells since those shells better serve the GCRA mission, but also recognized that some club shells, due to their value, condition, frequent use by novices, and construction material could be stored outside. One of the two Peinert singles and the Buick single shall remain outdoors due to their more durable construction, to the ease of access by novice members, and to the value and condition of the shells. The remainder of club boats currently stored indoors shall remain indoors.

Newly Purchased Clubs Shells Will Have Priority: If GCRA purchases additional shells of a quality, construction and value that they should be stored inside, such shells will take preference over private shells already stored inside owned by members having more than one boat stored inside. If a member’s shell is moved outside for this reason, they will be credited the additional fee they paid for inside storage for that year.

GCRA Indoor Shell Storage Waiting List

Currently, there is a waiting list for inside storage. Please contact Milt Puckett to reserve your spot on the list.