Row Nova Scotia Awards

The Male Rower of the Year award recognizes an individual male rowing athlete who has produced outstanding performances, achievements, or accomplishments (based on the order of ranking) in the past season: 1. International regattas 2. National regattas 3. Local regattas Eligible performances include those in any regatta, all disciplines of rowing (flat water, coastal, indoor), across all boat classes (1x to 8+), and with any crew that falls within the awards time frame.
Eligibility: This award is open to athletes of all ages, including junior, under 23, senior, and masters. The rower must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia during the nomination time frame.

The Crew of the Year award recognizes a male or female rowing crew in Nova Scotia who has produced outstanding performances, achievements, or accomplishments (based on the order of ranking) in the past season: 1. International regattas 2. National regattas 3. Local regattas Eligible results include those in any regatta, all disciplines of rowing (flat water, coastal, indoor), and across all boat classes (1x to 8+) where the full nominated crew rowed as a team that falls within the awards time frame.
Eligibility: This award is open to athletes of all gender and ages, including junior, under 23, senior, and masters. All members of the crew must be active members of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia during the nomination year.

The Junior Oarsperson of the Year is awarded to one Under 19 aged individual who has demonstrated themselves to be an active and dedicated participant, a leader, and an ambassador of the sport of rowing at their club and in Nova Scotia. They are an individual who consistently demonstrates integrity, positivity, and guidance to fellow rowers and members. This award does not specifically take into account regatta results, but looks to award an individual who contributes significantly in all areas that are valuable to rowing in Nova Scotia, such as, but not limited to: - participation in regattas locally or elsewhere; - participation in club programs, training, challenges, camps, clinics, etc; - actions that demonstrate a willingness and desire to improve as a rower through training, hard work, dedication, and perseverance; - actions that demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and advocating for rowing at their club or in Nova Scotia; - actions that demonstrate consistent day to day integrity, positivity and passion towards the sport of rowing.
Eligibility: This award is open to junior and under 23 athletes of all genders. The individual must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia during the nomination time frame.

The Under 23/Senior Oarsperson of the Year awards one Under 23 or Senior aged individual who has demonstrated themselves to be an active and dedicated participant, a leader, and an ambassador of the sport of rowing at their club and in Nova Scotia. They are an individual who consistently demonstrates integrity, positivity, and guidance to fellow rowers and members. This award does not specifically take into account regatta results, but looks to award an individual who contributes significantly in all areas that are valuable to rowing in Nova Scotia, such as, but not limited to: - participation in regattas locally or elsewhere; - participation in club programs, training, challenges, camps, clinics, etc; - actions that demonstrate a willingness and desire to improve as a rower through training, hard work, dedication, and perseverance; - actions that demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and advocating for rowing at their club or in Nova Scotia; - actions that demonstrate consistent day to day integrity, positivity and passion towards the sport of rowing.
Eligibility: This award is open to senior athletes of all genders. The individual must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia during the nomination time frame.

The Masters Oarsperson of the Year awards one individual in rows in the masters category who has demonstrated themselves to be an active and dedicated participant, a leader, and an ambassador of the sport of rowing at their club and in Nova Scotia. They are an individual who consistently demonstrates integrity, positivity, and guidance to fellow rowers and members. This award does not specifically take into account regatta results, but looks to award an individual who contributes significantly in all areas that are valuable to rowing in Nova Scotia, such as, but not limited to: - participation in regattas locally or elsewhere; - participation in club programs, training, challenges, camps, clinics, etc; - actions that demonstrate a willingness and desire to improve as a rower through training, hard work, dedication, and perseverance; - actions that demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and advocating for rowing at their club or in Nova Scotia; - actions that demonstrate consistent day to day integrity, positivity and passion towards the sport of rowing.
Eligibility: This award is open to athletes of all genders who have competed in the masters event categories (as defined by Rowing Canada). The individual must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia during the nomination time frame.

The Club Coach of the Year award recognizes a rowing coach at a Club or University in Nova Scotia whose athletes have produced outstanding performances in regattas (based on the order of ranking) in the past season: 1. International regattas 2. National regattas 3. Local regattas To be considered, the Coach must also be someone who has demonstrated a personal commitment to coaching excellence and the values of the NCCP; demonstrated the values of fair play, good sportsmanship, safe sport, and respect for officials; promotes the development of athletes’ abilities both on and off the water, and has the respect of his or her peers.
Eligibility: The coach must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club in Nova Scotia as a coach during the nomination year.

The Umpire of the Year award recognizes the contribution of an Umpire who has made a significant and exemplary contribution to provincial, regional, national or international regattas in the immediate past season/year. This umpire has made significant strides towards developing as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and reliable official in the past year. To be eligible an Umpire must be registered as a member with Row NS, have been licensed for a minimum of one year, and umpired a minimum of three regattas in Atlantic Canada in the past year.
Eligibility: the umpire must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered as an active umpire during the nomination year.

The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual who has, in a manner consistent with Row NS’s values of excellence, integrity, communication, and ambition made an exemplary contribution to rowing. These values are demonstrated by assisting at the club or Row NS events on a regular basis.
Eligibility: the volunteer must be an active volunteer within the Nova Scotia rowing community during the nomination year. Accolades related to umpiring and coaches are not ineligible in this award.

The Row NS President’s Award is selected by the current President of Row Nova Scotia. This award recognizes an individual, crew, or team who has exemplified the values of Row NS in the form of excellence, integrity, communication, and ambition in the sport of rowing during the nomination year.
Eligibility: the nominee(s) must be an active member of Row Nova Scotia and registered with a rowing club/program in Nova Scotia during the nomination year.

Male Rower of the Year – Andrew Todd, NSRC

The Row NS Male Rower of the Year is presented to Andrew Todd from North Star Rowing Club. Todd is a member of the RCA Para National Team, North Star Rowing Club and the Nova Scotia Provincial Team. In 2019, Todd claimed gold at World Rowing Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria with his para-rowing Men’s Pair partner, Kyle Fredrickson – successfully defending their title from 2018 and becoming back-to-back World Champions. In a tightly-contested race, Todd and Fredrickson were in third place coming through the halfway point but battled back to pass France and Australia to claim gold. Todd continued his successful 2019 at the RCA National Rowing Championships in the PR3 Men’s single where he rowed his way to the gold medal! For all his accomplishments in 2019, Todd was recognized as the co-recipient of the RCA Para Athlete of the Year, along with partner Kyle Frederickson (Victoria, B.C.). During Todd’s time in Nova Scotia he has consistently set a very high bar for provincial athletes aspiring to the international stage. He is deeply invested and engaged in the sport, and gives back to his rowing community through speaking engagements, mentoring young athletes, and by serving on the board of directors for Row Nova Scotia.

Female Rower of the Year – Claire Ellison, HRC

The Row NS Female Rower of the Year is presented to Claire Ellison from Halifax Rowing Club. Ellison was selected to the Junior National Team for a second straight year in the junior women’s quad which narrowly missed a medal placing 4th at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Ellison went on to compete at the RCA National Rowing Championships in the junior women’s single where she won the gold medal! In the Fall, Ellison began university at Queen’s University finding immediate success as she won silver in the women’s pair at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. Ellison was recognized with two RCA awards – the RCA Junior Athlete of the Year and the Tony Zasada Memorial Fund Award for her accomplishments. “Claire has been demonstrating to all young Nova Scotians that rowers from this province can make an impact on the international stage and we are excited to see what she can accomplish moving forward.

Female Crew of the Year – Hannah Meeson and Kayla Bugeya-Miller, NSRC Lightweight W2-

The Row NS Female Crew of the Year is presented to Hannah Meeson and Kayla Bugeya-Miller from North Star Rowing Club. Meeson and Bugeya-Miller rowed in the lightweight women’s pair for North Star this past season. The duo placed first at the Nova Scotia Sprints – Bud Myra Memorial Regatta in the senior lightweight women’s pair. Next, the two competed at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta where they won their heat to qualify for the A Final. In the final, the lightweight women’s pair battled for the lead in what came down to a two boat race, ultimately being edged out and winning the silver medal. Both Meeson and Bugeya-Miller were integral members of the North Star Rowing Club this past season and made significant contributions to North Star having the most successful Canadian Henley Regatta in recent history.

Male Crew of the Year – Samuel Court and Jack Petrunick, StFX Lightweight M2x

The Row NS Male Crew of the Year is presented to Samuel Court and Jack Petrunick from StFX Rowing. Court and Petrunik rowed in the lightweight men's double for the StFX Rowing Team this past season. The duo placed first at the Atlantic University Rowing Championships (AURC) in the lightweight men's double, as well as placing first at the Atlantic Rowing Championships in the championship double. Following their success in Atlantic Canada, Court and Petrunick qualified for the A finals at the Canadian University Rowing Championships in Victoria, BC where they eventually placed sixth in a competitive lightweight men's double event. Court and Petrunick show great leadership on and off the lake for the StFX Rowing Program and were integral in StFX Rowing capturing the AURC Men's Banner for the second consecutive year and having its most successful season to date.

Club Coach of the Year – Katie Edwards, StFX

The Row NS Club Coach of the Year is Katie Edwards, Head Coach of the StFX Rowing Club and the Antigonish Rowing Club, and the current President of Row NS and the Canadian University Rowing Association. Katie’s work has been integral to the growth of rowing in Nova Scotia over the past decade, including the construction of the new rowing facility in Antigonish, which has hosted national and international regattas. The success of the StFX rowing program has built steadily, culminating this year in historic results. For the second consecutive year, the StFX men’s team won the banner at the Atlantic University Rowing Championships. Soon after, two StFX boats qualified for the A finals at the Canadian University Rowing Championships in Victoria, BC. The lightweight men’s double finished sixth, and the lightweight men’s single placed fifth, indicating the continued growth and success of the StFX rowing program. Katie’s passion for rowing is evident in her extensive administrative work, but the relationships she fosters with her athletes is the hallmark of her deeply personal coaching style.

Umpire of the Year – Yetta Withrow

The Row NS Umpire of the Year is presented to Yetta Withrow. Yetta has been a tireless supporter of the sport of rowing for over 20 years and a Nova Scotia RCA Umpire for over 14 years. Yetta is very giving of her time to the rowing community and to the umpires at regattas. She goes out of her way to make sure that regattas can run smoothly, efficiently and safely not only by upholding the RCA Rules of Racing as an umpire, but making herself available to the regatta local organizing committee for additional duties. Yetta brings depth of knowledge, professionalism, sincerity and an excitement for racing to her umpiring and every regatta she attends.

Volunteer of the Year – Joan Backman

The Row NS Volunteer of the Year is Joan Backman of the Halifax Rowing Club. Joan is a long-time board member in Nova Scotia rowing – with HRC from 2004-2010 and with Row NS since 2018. Joan has been umpiring in Nova Scotia since 2014, and has also been selected to officiate at several national regattas. In 2019, Joan was instrumental in the formation of the Row NS President’s Committee, which has vitally improved inter-club communication and the sharing of knowledge. Joan has also been a key figure in the emergence of coastal rowing in Nova Scotia: indeed, her support and guidance of the Lunenburg Rowing Club resulted in their hosting the province’s first-ever coastal regatta in the summer of 2019. And, Joan took the opportunity to organize a coastal umpire training course in conjunction with the event, led by Canada’s top coastal umpire. Joan’s strong work ethic, coupled with her always careful and measured consideration of complex issues, make her an invaluable member of our rowing community.

President’s Award – Patrick Cody

The Row NS President’s Award recipient for 2019 is Pat Cody. Even by his own standards, Pat Cody had an extremely successful year coaching. He received his second nomination to coach for the RCA NextGen Team where the boat he was coaching, the women’s quad, placed 4th at the Junior World Championships in Japan. In 2019, athletes coached and mentored by Pat competed at the Senior World Championships, Junior World Championships, CanAmMex, and Trans Tasmin regattas. Under Pat’s guidance, Team Nova Scotia traveled to Burnaby for the National Rowing Championships and performed well, collecting three medals – two gold and one silver. Pat Cody consistently exemplifies the core values of Row NS. In his coaching, he consistently communicates the importance of high standards, hard work, integrity, commitment to self-improvement, teamwork, and community. Through his vision, actions, and leadership, Pat Cody models those very same values and has made a significant contribution to Nova Scotia athletes’ exceptional performances in 2019.

Female Rower of the Year - Claire Ellison, HRC

For the second year in a row, the Female Rower of the Year was awarded to Claire Ellison who rows out of the Halifax Rowing Club. In 2018, Claire had an exceptional year and was able to make her mark on the national stage. Locally, Claire competed in the Ice Breaker Regatta, Sprints Regatta, North West Arm Regatta, Atlantic Rowing Championships and Really Chili Regatta highlighted by winning the Pelham Trophy at the Cogswell/Pelham Championship race. Claire Ellison continues to balance her studies in the IB program, her full-time rowing training as well as playing on the varsity volleyball team at Citadel High School and working as a part-time rowing coach at the Halifax Rowing Club. This year Claire was named to the JW4x for the 2018 Junior World Championships where the boat placed 6th place. She saw incredible results throughout the trials process for the Junior National Team. Not only did Claire win Bronze in the JW1x at the 2018 National Rowing Championships, but she placed in the top percentile out of all the Junior, U23 & Senior women who raced at the Championships. Claire is not only an outstanding athlete, but she truly embodies the qualities of a leader within the rowing community and continues to inspire rowers of all ages in Nova Scotia.

Male Rower of the Year - Andrew Todd, NSRC

The Row NS Male Rower of the Year is presented to Andrew Todd from North Star Rowing Club. Todd is a member of the RCA Para National Team, North Star Rowing Club and the Nova Scotia Provincial Team. In 2018, Todd claimed gold at World Rowing Championships with his para-rowing Men’s Pair partner, Kyle Fredrickson – successfully claiming the crown of World Champions. Todd continued his successful 2018 at the RCA National Rowing Championships in the PR3 Men’s single where he rowed his way to the gold medal! During Todd’s time in Nova Scotia he has consistently set a very high bar for provincial athletes aspiring to the international stage. He is deeply invested and engaged in the sport, and gives back to his rowing community through speaking engagements, mentoring young athletes, and by serving on the board of directors for Row Nova Scotia.

Female Crew of the Year - Hannha Meeson and Tara Barnett, NSRC

Hannah and Tara both rowed out of the North Star Rowing Club this past summer. Hannah returned to Nova Scotia in May following her first year rowing on the Varsity Rowing Team at the University of Victoria. The two women teamed up at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta this summer in the Senior Women’s Lightweight Pair event. Tara and Hannah raced extremely bravely against boats from across Canada and North America to claim the Henley Gold! In addition to their successes as a crew, Hannah and Tara are strong supporters of rowing in Nova Scotia. Tara has been a long time member of North Star Rowing Club, assisted on many committees with Row NS and North Star and has been an integral member of the Provincial Team. Hannah, has also made large contributions. In 2017 Hannah was an important member of the Canada Summer Games rowing team and this past summer was coach at North Star Rowing Club while she continued her training in preparation for her second year at UVIC.

Male Crew of the Year - Emerson Crick, HRC and Noel Balsor, NSRC

Emerson and Noel from Halifax Rowing Club and North Star Rowing Club, respectively, each had a stellar year in 2018. Both of these young rowers had outstanding summers rowing for their clubs at local regattas and rowing together at the Ice Breaker Regatta where they won the junior men's double at the Ice Breaker Regatta and the Sprints Regatta. The young rowers' highlight of the season was when their hard work paid off as both rowers were selected to row for Team Nova Scotia at the 20158 National Rowing Championships in Burnaby in the pair. The two rowers impressively rowed to a silver medal in the junior men's pair event, improving on the bronze that Noel captured the previous year in the same event with a different partner.

Club Coach of the Year - Peter Webster, NSRC

Peter is a committed member of the rowing community in Nova Scotia. Peter gives an immense part of his life to volunteer: as a coach at his home club and with the Provincial Team; and as a board member with his home Club. Peter has been coaching for several years at several different levels. He is currently one of the most respected and highest qualified coaches in the province. This year, he coached a large group of athletes who competed and has great results at several local and Atlantic Regattas, and at Henley and National Championships.

President's Award - Andrew Todd and Jenna Pelham

The Row NS President's Award is presented to Andrew Todd and Jenna Pelham for their extraordinary contributions to rowing in Nova Scotia. Since their return to Nova Scotia, both Jenna and Andrew have continued to compete at a high level with Jenna attending the World Championships in 2016 and Andrew winning the 2018 World Championships in the PR3 Men's Pair, while using Dartmouth and Nova Scotia Provincial Team as home base during this time. During this time, the two served as training partners, positive influences and athlete mentors to many young and aspiring athletes proving what can be done from Nova Scotia. In addition to their rowing accomplishments, Andrew began serving on the Row NS Board of Directors providing the insight of the athlete's perspective in decision making and Jenna took on an administrative and organizational role at North Star Rowing Club. In a short period of time, these two have made a tremendous impact on the rowing community in Nova Scotia.

Umpire of the Year - Marilyn MacMullin

Marilyn has been an incredibly dedicated Umpire since 2006! She brings together both knowledge and experience of umpiring and racing and is able to compassionately help athletes and volunteers alike better understand the complexities and application of the Rules of Racing. Marilyn was our most active Umpire volunteer for the 2018 season, achieving a perfect attendance.

Volunteer of the Year - Brian Robinson, HRC

Brian has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer for many years for Row Nova Scotia and for his home club Halifax Rowing Club. Brian has been the regatta statistician and the lifeblood behind the operations of the regattas in Nova Scotia for a number of years. This year Brian has worked extremely hard to seamlessly integrate the use of a new regatta registration system into our regattas. Without the tireless efforts of Brian it would not be possible for Nova Scotia to host the number and quality of regattas we currently have. He has taken on this task and the troubleshooting of integrating Regatta Central in stride!

Mileage Award - Jess Houtsma, HRC

Jess demonstrates her dedication, persistence and hard work within the sport of rowing every day of the year. As one of HRC's Para-Rower, Jess is a masters athlete living with Cerebral Palsy, yet in all of the years, I have coached her she has never, ever let that become an obstacle in her pursuit of training. Jess is an integral member of the Halifax Rowing Club, and despite taking almost an hour for her to walk each way to the rowing club from her home, Jess regularly trains twice a day on the water. She is always the first one on the dock, ready to greet athletes and coaches with a smile as she arrives early to eagerly gather her equipment and prepare to make the most of her time on the water. Regardless of the weather, waves or conditions, Jess is always ready to row, and never backs down from a workout. Her dedication to rowing is remarkable, as Jess uses her vacation time at work to allow her to arrive later at work every day so she can train at 7:00am before work, and on her days off she will stay and row for double sessions because she cannot get enough of the sport.

Male Rower of the Year - Ben Walls, HRC

Ben had a great season with outstanding rowing at ERA (gold), Canada Games and a fourth in the u19 single at NRC's. Ben is a super great guy and a great athlete. He placed 1st at the 2017 AIRC. Had the fastest men's 1x time at the Ice Breaker. Was in the winning Open and Jr 4x at Sprints. Was Part of the Canada Games Provincial Team. Came 4th at NRC. Is in his first year rowing at UVic.

Female Rower of the Year - Claire Ellison, HRC

Claire Ellison truly embodies all of the qualities of Row Nova Scotia's 'Female Individual Rower of the Year'. Her performance over the last year, from successfully racing for Team Nova Scotia at the 2017 Canada Games, to winning a Bronze Medal at the 2017 National Rowing Championships, Claire continues to demonstrate that she is Nova Scotia's top female athlete. In addition to her success at major National Regattas, Claire continues to train hard as a member of the Row Nova Scotia Provincial Performance Group and is currently being actively recruited by a number of Top Tier Universities, including Ivy League teams.

Male Crew of the Year - Noel Balsor and Tristan Kays, NSRC

Tristan and Noel began rowing together in the spring of 2017. Just 16 and 15 respectively, this duo turned on the heat to make training for Canada Games their goal. They both achieved great individual results in local regattas and then started rowing as a double and proved to be a force. They won the junior men's double at the Ice Breaker regatta and the Sprints regatta. They made the provincial team and while they didn't compete there in the double together, they did help the quad finish 6th. They then made their way to the Royal Henley regatta in St. Catherine's to try their luck and mostly to get some international experience. For a new and young double, they did very well! They had only rowed the pair a few times and narrowly missed first place at Atlantics, falling second to their mentor and coach by 5 seconds. But they persevered and made the standard to go to Nationals in Burnaby. Again, they knew they were a long shot, but managed to secure a bronze medal for the junior pair. For two young kids from NS, it was a big accomplishment. Noel and Tristan have a special connection and look to each other for teamwork and friendship. They take care of each other in the boat and out, ensuring the other is ready to go!

Female Crew of the Year - Hannah Meeson and Chloe Tardif, HRC

Club Coach of the Year - Colm Gribbin, HRC

Colm is an excellent coach! He inspires both the crews he coaches and the people he works with to reach higher and strive for better results! Colm's crews and direction at HRC has led the club to win back Club banners for both Sprints and ARC. Colm is an excellent coach with athletes achieving notable placements on every regatta including nationals and the Canada Games. Colm has greatly improved the club as individual rowers but also as a community. During the time I rowed a double with Colm I learned more than I had in all the practices combined leading up to that day. Not only does Colm introduce new techniques, but he also pushes you to do better in every practice. Colm was excellent as a coach but also as a person, he made meaningful connections with his athletes and was always friendly. He made rowing fun and improving easy, bettering the club with his knowledge and excellent sense of humor. I believe that Colm is the coach of the year without a doubt in my mind.

Umpire of the Year - Mark Penfound

A dedicated and hard working umpire who has assisted at many local regattas but also at a number of national rowing events. Mark has been umpiring rowing events locally and nationally for over ten years. He is always willing to help out when time permits and is a great mentor to the new and upcoming umpires. He has great patience and is totally professional when it comes to this particular volunteer activity. He is very knowledgable and helps bring professionalism to all of the regattas he attends.

Volunteer of the Year - Karen Kinley, Rowing at LYC

Karen has been the Rowing at LYC President for two years and has worked hard to maintain and grow the program at the club. Her responsibilities include all aspects of running the club and she has undertaken these responsibilities to stabilize and grow the program. These include selecting and managing a coach; organizing early morning and evening rowing times throughout the summer, and sending out multiple emails to everyone to remind them; lobbing LYC leadership for funds to purchase boats; recruiting anyone interested in rowing to come and try it; setting up and organizing a 'Learn to Row' and 'Come and Try' sessions; managing the budget and public relations; and finally, recruiting a capable management team to help her in the coming year. However, what makes Karen stand out is her passion and spirit towards rowing. Karen has taken on the role of an enthusiastic leader amongst the Masters/Recreational crew and having her at the helm, she is inspiring us and leading us in the right direction. Karen does all this work with an infectious smile on her face and a warm welcome for all with whom she interacts - committed rowers, the public, and new recruits!

President's Award - Nova Scotia Provincial Team Training Group

The Row Nova Scotia Provincial Training Group has been an inspiration this year. They show up every morning ready to work hard and learn. Their attitude and commitment to rowing in Nova Scotia has made them an inspiration to fellow athletes as well as their coaches. They have helped to grow our sport, improve the culture of training, and increase the quality of rowing.

Mileage Award - Sue Duann, MMAAC

Sue has been involved with Mic Mac AAC and Row NS for almost 20 years. At that time, Mic Mac AAC was in need of significant passion, investment, and commitment to rebuild its fleet and programs. Sue, along with Steve MacIntosh and others led this drive. It took years, and they persisted. Always seeking to improve and grow, Sue continues to persist by challenging the status quo and taking action. Sue has served on the Row NS Board, the Mic Mac AAC Board, the Rowing Steering Committee, and is currently leading the MMAAC Equipment Committee. She has been a regatta chair, and led significant fundraising initiatives. She trains year round in crew boats, in her own single, and indoors. She competes at almost all regattas, seeking to repeat her win in the Masters Mixed Double - not juts by handicap advantage, but by crossing the line first! Sue’s passion rubs off on to those around her, exemplified by so many members of her extended family who have contributed to rowing in various aspects over the years. Sue speaks her mind and does not back down from a challenge. She is also the person who remembers to send a supportive note to someone in need, and to support new members, especially in the junior programs. Her assertiveness and drive come from a place of caring and dedication to the sport, the club, and her teammates.

Broken Oar Award - Maddie Murphy and Bella McLeod, HRC

This story begins in Antigonish, at the start line of the 2k racecourse where the junior women double race was about to commence. The competition looked tough it was HRC (Miller), HRC (MacDougall), HRC (Campbell) and HRC (Murphy). Yes, this was going to be the race of the century. Myself and my double partner, Bella MacLeod, had just rowed up to the area before the start line, with all of the other HRC boats. The water looked quite choppy at the time, in fact, this was the last race before they cancelled the rest of the races for that day. So we had about 14 minutes until our race would start, so naturally, we were all just going to chill there and wait to be called into line up. Then all of a sudden we saw a wake coming our way on our left (from one of the umpire boats) and then we see a wave approaching us on our right. Before we knew it the water engulfed our oars! Bella’s oars were both ripped from her hands and I lost my starboard oar!! Naturally we both kind of panic and scream a bit. We both reach for our port oars, but then the wavy water nearly overcomes the side of our boat! So we both jerk back to the other side to stay afloat. Bella then reaches out and snags her starboard oar which luckily was pushed in reach by the waves, while I lean out the other way to keep the boat balanced. I then reach back and grab my oar which was pushed away by the waves. Luckily now Bella can reach and snatch her other oar now that the boat was more balanced. Also, all throughout this we were both kind of screaming and saying “NO STOP WE’RE GOING TO TIP” “YEAH TRY TO GRAB THAT OAR NOW” “AHHHHHHHH”. The other boats were all enjoying the show immensely Emma and Sabrina looked quite amused and worried by our situation, Sam and Rian were probably cheering for the waves and hoping that we would tip and Carolyn and Kathryn both had a good laugh at this. The umpires looked a little concerned and then shook their heads and then called “five minutes to start”.

Male Rower of the Year - Cody Bailey, MMAAC

Cody had a standout year in 2016. Starting off with a first place finish at the AIRC in the U23 men's. From there Cody represented Team Nova Scotia at the National Rowing Championships where he finished third in the B Final in the U23 heavyweight men's single. Cody's 2016 season was capped off with a selection to Canadian U23 men's double boat. He competed at the U23 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands where the Canadian boat placed fifth.

Female Rower of the Year - Jenna Pelham, NSRC

Jenna dominated rowing in Nova Scotia this year. She won every Atlantic event she entered. Jenna found similar success on the National stage where she placed second in the senior lightweight women's single at Henley and represented Team Nova Scotia at the National Rowing Championships where she placed fifth in the senior lightweight women's single. Her strong performances found her a seat in the women's quad at the Senior World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands where the Canadian boat placed 4th.

Male Crew of the Year - Ben Walls and Peter MacSween, HRC

Ben and Peter were a force in Nova Scotia this year winning the junior men's pair at the Nova Scotia Sprints. The two hit their stride in the late summer when they met the qualification standards to represent Team Nova Scotia at the National Rowing Championships. The pair impressively raced their way to a bronze medal in the junior men's pair event.

Female Crew of the Year - Jenna Pelham and Tara Barnett, NSRC

Jenna and Tara were dominant this past year in the local regattas. The two teamed up to win the open women's double at Nova Scotia Sprints. A few weeks later they raced their way to an impressive fifth place finish in the women's lightweight double at Henley.

Club Coach of the Year - Peter Webster, NSRC

Peter is a dedicated coach at North Star Rowing Club. This year under his guidance the North Star Rowing Club was a force in Nova Scotia. North Star won the Sprints Efficiency Trophy and multiple first place finishes at all the local regattas. Even more impressive a number of North Star athletes had stand out results at Henley including a 2nd in lwt W1x, 5th in lwt W2x, and 4th in lwt W4x.

Umpire of the Year - David Read

David is a valuable member of the Nova Scotia umpiring crew. On top of his regular umpire duties he takes care of and inventories the umpire equipment sees that everything is in order and ready for the regattas and continues to mentor the new Umpires and Associates at regattas. David is knowledgeable, proficient and takes to heart the Umpire directive of keeping regattas safe and fair.

Volunteer of the Year - Siobhan Wiggans, MMAAC

Siobhan has been chair for Mic Mac AAC's Rowing Steering Committee since 2013. In 2016, she spearheaded the implementation of a new Junior Summer Rowing Program and a Fall Learn to Row Program as well as several successful fundraising initiatives contributing to the equipment, operating and staffing expenses of the club. Siobhan's hard work and dedication has brought new life to the club.

President's Award - Nova Scotia Provincial Team Training Group

The Row Nova Scotia Provincial Training Group has been an inspiration this year. They show up every morning ready to work hard and learn. Their attitude and commitment to rowing in Nova Scotia has made them an inspiration to fellow athletes as well as their coaches. They have helped to grow our sport, improve the culture of training, and increase the quality of rowing.

Mileage Award - Kathy Spurr, HRC

Kathy is at the rowing club all the time, and is always incredibly enthusiastic to learn more on and off the water. She is such a lover of the sport and you can always count on her to be competing hard at each Nova Scotia regatta. Kathy was part of a dedicated group of masters that travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark to compete in the World Master's Regatta.

Broken Oar Award - Dalhousie Men's 4+

The Broken Oar Award was awarded to the Dalhousie Men's 4+ racing at AURC's in Loachaber. Coach Colm Gribbin gave all the athletes a little snack bag to eat on the row back from the race course. Half of a peanut butter sandwich was included in the bag. On the First day of AURCS (before racing was delayed), the coxed four went out. The water was extremely rough and during the course of the race our snacks were oating around in our boat. We enjoyed our cool down row in peanut butter soup. Victory never smelled so much like peanut butter.

Male Rower of the Year - Zak Lewis, Brock University

Zak had a terrific year rowing for Brock University. He qualified to represent Canada at the FISU Games where he placed 9th overall in the men's 2­. At the OUA Championships, he placed 1st Place in men's 4+ and 1st in men's 8+. At the CURC’s he placed 1st in men's 8+ and 5th in the men's 2­-.

Female Rower of the Year - Tara Barnett, NSRC

Tara began 2015 with the Ottawa Rowing Club where she competed in the Royal Canadian Henley placing 4th in the Sr. women's Ltwt 2­ and winning the Sr. women's Ltwt 8+. This summer she began rowing with the North Star Rowing Club. Here she won the Cogswell/Pelham prize in the women's 1X.

Male Crew of the Year - Cody Bailey and Logan LeFort, MMAAC

Logan and Cody paired to win the Nova Scotia Sprints Sr. mens 2­ and continued their strong racing a few weeks later at the Royal Canadian Henley where they narrowly missed making the final, finishing 3rd in their men's 2­ semi-final.

Club Coach of the Year - Colm Gribbin, HRC

Colm coached this summer at MicMac AAC where his crews had many outstanding results at the Nova Scotia Sprints. In the fall, Colm was the head coach of the Dalhousie rowing team which won the AURC men's and women's banners. His crews continued onto many strong performances at CURC's.

Umpire of the Year - Bonnie Anderson

Bonnie has been a certified umpire since 2011. In this time she has shown a commitment to improving the quality of racing and regattas in Nova Scotia. This year Bonnie was the only umpire from Nova Scotia to go to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.

Volunteer of the Year - Brian Robinson, HRC

Brian has been the statistician for local, provincial, and national regattas this past year. His help with using the new Regatta Data timing system was crucial to Row NS hosting successful Sprints, ARC, AURC and CURC regattas this past year.

President's Award - Kevin Feltmate, HRC

Kevin is one of the many dedicated volunteers at HRC. His hard work and commitment behind the scenes writing grant applications has helped HRC secure funding. Kevin's contributions go much deeper as he sits as the Vice ­President on HRC's Board of Directors and is a frequent volunteer at local and provincial regattas.

Mileage Award - Joe Rowlands, MMAAC

Joe is a masters competitive rower at Mic Mac AAC. He is a regular participant at local and provincial regattas and was the Equipment Chair at Mic Mac AAC from 2006 until midway through 2015.

Broken Oar Award - Rowing at LYC

LYC Rowing hosted their first ever event this Summer. The Row Around the Island event was a recreational rowing event that brought rowers from HRM to Lunenburg for the first time. During this event, one of the rowers literally broke an oar during the completion of rowing around the island.

Male Rower of the Year - Logan LeFort, MMAAC

Logan enjoyed a successful 2014 season. His results speak for themselves as he placed first in the Senior M1x at the Northwest Arm Regatta, Nova Scotia Bud Myra Memorial Sprints and first in the Junior M1x at the Really Chili Regatta. Furthermore, Logan went on to win the Atlantic Rowing Championships U19 M1x and place 4th in the Junior M1x at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Logan qualified to compete at the National Rowing Championships in the Junior M1x event and earned a spot in his first international regatta competing at the CanAmMex regatta where he placed 2nd in the M2x and M4x events as part of the Canadian team.

Female Rower of the Year - Amber Oke, MMAAC

Amber has long been a strong competitor in the Nova Scotia Rowing Community and nothing changed in the 2014 season. Amber won the Pelham Prize, Master’s Women’s 1x at the Nova Scotia Bud Myra Memorial Sprints and Really Chili Regatta. Amber also found success outside Nova Scotia where she place first in the Master’s A and B W1x events at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.

Male Crew of the Year - Zak Lewis, Will Bryden, Patrick Branch and Logan LeFort, MMAAC

The Mic Mac AAC Men’s 4x consisting of Logan LeFort, Patrick Branch, Zak Lewis and William Bryden were the top crew in Nova Scotia through the 2014 season. The Mic Mac AAC quad won the Nova Scotia Bud Myra Memorial Sprints and competed in the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta where the crew impressed by placing second in the Under 23 M4x event.

Female Crew of the Year - St. Francis Xavier Rowing Club Women’s 8+ - Adelaide Wimpenny, Emily Joyce, Fiona McDougall, Nancy MacLeod, Ella Besserer, Erin Wilson, Laura Graham, Emma Gibbons, and Braelin Rowe

The St. Francis Xavier Women’s eight started the season slowly at the Head of the Four Bridges Regatta. However, following that regatta, they made a statement by not losing another race on route to winning the Atlantic University Championships. At the Canadian University Rowing Championships in Victoria the women’s eight struggled in the time trials. And due to a knee injury in the time trial a replacement woman had to be inserted into the crew. In the B final they performed admirably finishing third. This tight knit crew showed perseverance, determination and compassion all season long on their way to the best women’s eight result St.FX has ever had.

Club Coach of the Year - Patrick Cody, Row NS

Patrick Cody has been involved in rowing in Nova Scotia for many years, first as an athlete and now as a coach. Patrick Cody is currently head coach of the Nova Scotia Provincial Team and has been influential in the coaching of many of Nova Scotia’s best rowers including Logan LeFort, and the Mic Mac AAC quad who won male individual and male crew of the year honors. On top of being the Provincial Team head coach, Pat also is the Row To Podium Coach and in July was tasked with coaching the Canadian Men’s sculling team at the CanAmMex Regatta.

Umpire of the Year - Linda Lee

Linda Lee is a long time rowing athlete, coach, and umpire in Nova Scotia. Linda is one of the top umpires in the province, and due to this was the Chief Umpire to all the regattas in Nova Scotia in 2014 except two. At the two she was not the Chief Umpire, Linda was still at the event as an umpire. On top of umpiring at the regattas, Linda volunteers more of her time to plan the umpiring schedule and facilitating the umpire training course.

Volunteer of the Year - Rachel Mays, Dalhousie Rowing

Rachel Mays has been a member of the Dalhousie Rowing Club for three years, and president for the past two. Rachel is the driving force behind the Dalhousie Rowing Club. As a member of the Varsity team she has found success competing at regattas across Atlantic Canada. As well, Rachel has excelled as President. Rachel has been instrumental in the expansion of the club to a full Varsity, Novice and Learn to Row programs. Rachel has spearheaded all the fundraising campaigns, regatta participation, practices, and social events in 2014 as well as volunteering as the head winter training coach this winter.

President's Award - Antigonish Rowing Club

The Antigonish Rowing Club and St. Francis Xavier Rowing Club had a tremendous 2014. In a joint effort between the two clubs as well as many Lochaber community volunteers they were able to install a fully buoyed 2000 meter course which is the first east of Quebec. Using this new facility at Lochaber they were able to successfully host the Second Annual Atlantic University Rowing Championships, the Atlantic Rowing Championships and the International CanAmMex Regatta. Furthermore, Lochaber and St. FX will be hosting the Canadian University Championships in the Fall of 2015.

Mileage Award - Richard Proulx, MMAAC

Richard Proulx is an avid athlete at Mic Mac AAC. In 2014 Proulx participated in all Row Nova Scotia Regattas. In the Icebreaker Regatta Proulx placed second in Masters Men’s 1x and first in open mixed 4x. At the Nova Scotia Bud Myra Memorial Sprints Proulx finished second in the Masters B Men’s 2x. Finally at the Really Chili Regatta Proulx placed second in Masters Men’s 1x and first in open mixed 4x. However, Proulx’s dedication to the sport goes far beyond his participation in regattas. He is vital to Mic Mac AAC doing anything and everything. Richard is always on time to open the club for the master’s program, helps keep the coach boats fueled, a dedicated training companion and always available at a moment’s notice should a crew need an extra seat at training or in a regatta.

Broken Oar Award - Spencer Landry, StFX

Spencer Landry was part of the St. Francis Xavier Rowing Club’s men’s eight that competed at the Canadian University Rowing Championships in Victoria, BC. The night before the time trials were set to take place at 2:30pm, Spencer became ill and had to be taken to the hospital immediately. Arriving at the hospital just after 4:00am, Spencer was placed on IV and confined to a hospital bed for the entire morning. Meanwhile, the rest of the men’s eight crew decided that if possible they thought Spencer deserved the opportunity to race if he was able. After 8 bags of IV fluid and a long morning in the hospital, Spencer was able to race and helped the St. FX men’s eight reach the B final. After 16 hours of sleep, Spencer and the rest of the men’s eight raced in the B final where they placed second. Spencer is graduating with a Business degree in the spring of 2015 making these his two races last with St. FX.