University of Massachusets Athletics
Former Rower Honored At Football Home Opener
September 22, 2011 | Rowing
Sept. 22, 2011
AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass Women's Rowing Team held a boat dedication at the conclusion of the UMass vs. Rhode Island Football game in honor Amanda Kraus, former UMass rower. Kraus rowed all four years at UMass and was a captain her senior season. The boat she was named for was an eight-oared shell, which is traditionally named for those who embody the spirit and dedication of the team.
Kraus started an organization called Row New York in 2002 which utilizes rowing as a way to help the youth of under-resourced communities of New York City build the skills to succeed on and off the water. Kraus started her organization with one borrowed boat and eight eager rowers and now boasts 300 yearly participants. Every Row New York rower has gone on to college and many have earned rowing scholarships.
During one of the storms this past winter, the ice and snow collapsed the tent housing an overflow of boats from the boat house, damaging several of the boats. The dedicated boat replaced one of these damaged boats. Additionally, the Rowing team was raising funds outside of the stadium before the game to buy new boats to replace those that were lost.
The UMass Rowing Team starts their 2011 season on October 8 at the Head of the Housatonic in Derby, Conn. Check back for previews and results for all the races!
