University of Illinois Rowing Team Launches Fundraising Campaign for New Boathouse

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The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana’s rowing team is actively showcasing their talents to generate funds for a much-needed new boathouse.

“Having this boathouse would provide us with a dedicated space to store our boats and equipment throughout the year,” explained Nicholas Slattery, who serves as the president of Illini Rowing.

The team typically organizes rowing marathons in the spring purely for enjoyment; however, this event holds special significance for team members like Sylvia Gimble.

“This event really highlights our team’s dedication,” said Gimble. “I hope it encourages people to contribute, seeing how committed we are to achieving this goal.”

The rowing team practiced six days a week for this marathon. Everyone participating will row for at least one hour.

In the 20 years of the team’s existence, they have never had a place to call home. But they are well on their way. They plan on breaking ground on a boathouse on Clinton Lake in Farmer City.

The new boathouse will not only serve as the team’s practice facility, but is also a way to teach and grow the sport.

“We’re gonna open our facilities for the community at large. So anyone between Springfield, Champaign, and Bloomington within relative driving distance can join,” said Head Coach Peter Filice.

The team is aiming to row more than 500 miles.

“So our National Championships every year in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, so roughly the distance between here to Oak Ridge is our goal,” said Filice.

The students are breaking up the 24 hours into two days. If you’d like to donate, they’ll be on the quad until 10 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday. You can also find out more information about how to donate to Illini Rowing here.