ETHS Rowing is officially a varsity sport!

As of Spring 2026, ETHS Rowing is officially recognized as a Varsity sport within the high school. After years of tireless commitment to the team and to each other, our Varsity-level athletes are now letter-earners. This graduation from a Club sport to a Varsity sport was primarily the result of the commitment our athletes have demonstrated over the years by practicing 5-6 days per week and competing across the Midwest. We’ve long known that rowing is not an easy sport - months of hard work, long days, blisters, and sore muscles all in the service of being the best possible versions of ourselves and our team. By achieving Varsity status, Rowing is recognized as a peer to the other competitive ETHS athletics programs where athletes, likewise, dedicate an incredible amount of time and energy to their team’s success.

This recognition does come with a couple of additional perks:

• Athletes at our Varsity level will receive letters

• Seniors will be recognized at the annual athletic department seniors awards in June (and eligible for the awards distributed at this ceremony)

• We’ll receive a seasonal operational stipend to support practices

• We’re included in the four-year uniform rotation - namely, splash jackets (Fall 2026)

What doesn’t change is our mission and our values - we remain just as committed to diversity, equity, and access to competitive high school rowing. The pillars that make our program unique remain steadfast, and we will continue working towards our vision year over year.

With this new status, I want to thank the countless people that have contributed since 2022. From the athletes that dared to try something new to the parents who stood up our parent’s group to the coaches who volunteered their time for a whole year. This success is shared and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the many people who believed in this team’s potential from the beginning.

Congratulations Wildkits, and let’s have a great season!

-Coach Lu