Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: STEVE KING
EMU to Debut the Rowing Course At Ford Lake April 26
4/4/2024 9:30:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Course funded through a partnership with Destination Ann Arbor and the Marriott Eagle Crest
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – "If you build it, they will come." The iconic line from the 1989 film Field of Dreams finds new life in the reality Eastern Michigan University and the Department of Athletics are creating for the rowing program. Thanks to a ground-breaking partnership with Destination Ann Arbor, Marriott Eagle Crest, and Ypsilanti Charter Township, EMU is set to unveil a championship-level rowing course on Ford Lake.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake will take place Friday, April 26, 4 p.m. at Ford Lake Park (9075 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48198).
"We're not merely dipping our oars in the water; we're charting a course for excellence," remarked Scott Wetherbee, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics. "I extend my deepest gratitude to Destination Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Marriott Eagle Crest, and the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees for believing in our vision. With the Rowing Course at Ford Lake, we're not just enhancing our team's capabilities but also establishing Ypsilanti as a top-tier venue. Together, we're not only nurturing champions on the water but also stimulating economic growth that will benefit our entire community."
The submergible rowing course, nestled between Big Island Park and the Ford Lake Park Beach Area, is an innovative addition. It cost $487,000 to build and install at the bottom of the lake, emerging only during competitions.
"This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Ypsilanti Township," said Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake not only enhances our recreational offerings but also positions us as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts, boosting tourism and community pride."
Primed to become the Midwest's premiere rowing venue, the course is capable of hosting regional, national, and international rowing events. Designed by Tim Royalty, renowned for his work on the Olympic rowing courses in 1984 and 1996, the semi-permanent buoyed 2,000-meter course features eight competition lanes, floating launch and recovery platforms, and removable aligner platforms and starting docks.
"This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in our community," said Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake not only elevates our recreational infrastructure but also positions Ypsilanti as a hub for athletic excellence and tourism."
The launch of this course heralds significant developments for both Eastern Michigan University and the surrounding community. National events can generate anywhere from $1.5-$3 million in revenue, amplifying economic growth and showcasing local talent on a national stage.
"This is a game-changer for our program and the community at large," said EMU Rowing Coach Kemp Savage. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake provides our student-athletes with unparalleled training opportunities and positions Ypsilanti as a premier destination for rowing nationwide."
Eastern Michigan rowing competes in the Coastal Athletic Association.
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 158 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit emich.edu.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake will take place Friday, April 26, 4 p.m. at Ford Lake Park (9075 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48198).
"We're not merely dipping our oars in the water; we're charting a course for excellence," remarked Scott Wetherbee, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics. "I extend my deepest gratitude to Destination Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Marriott Eagle Crest, and the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees for believing in our vision. With the Rowing Course at Ford Lake, we're not just enhancing our team's capabilities but also establishing Ypsilanti as a top-tier venue. Together, we're not only nurturing champions on the water but also stimulating economic growth that will benefit our entire community."
The submergible rowing course, nestled between Big Island Park and the Ford Lake Park Beach Area, is an innovative addition. It cost $487,000 to build and install at the bottom of the lake, emerging only during competitions.
"This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Ypsilanti Township," said Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake not only enhances our recreational offerings but also positions us as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts, boosting tourism and community pride."
Primed to become the Midwest's premiere rowing venue, the course is capable of hosting regional, national, and international rowing events. Designed by Tim Royalty, renowned for his work on the Olympic rowing courses in 1984 and 1996, the semi-permanent buoyed 2,000-meter course features eight competition lanes, floating launch and recovery platforms, and removable aligner platforms and starting docks.
"This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in our community," said Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake not only elevates our recreational infrastructure but also positions Ypsilanti as a hub for athletic excellence and tourism."
The launch of this course heralds significant developments for both Eastern Michigan University and the surrounding community. National events can generate anywhere from $1.5-$3 million in revenue, amplifying economic growth and showcasing local talent on a national stage.
"This is a game-changer for our program and the community at large," said EMU Rowing Coach Kemp Savage. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake provides our student-athletes with unparalleled training opportunities and positions Ypsilanti as a premier destination for rowing nationwide."
Eastern Michigan rowing competes in the Coastal Athletic Association.
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 158 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit emich.edu.
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