Both the male and female teams of Handong Rowing Circle, “Armstrong” received the grand prize at the 58^th National Rowing Championship Series held from August 19 to 21, 2016. The female team achieved the grand prize for consecutive three years. The male team also received the grand prize for consecutive two years at the competition held in Chungju.

In the mid-17^th Century, rowing had become a modern sport for the noblemen who lived near the Thames River, in London, England. Universities showed great interest in rowing after the competition between Cambridge University and Oxford University at the Thames River. In Korea, the Korean Rowing Association was founded in the 20^th Century. The rowing competition was started in the Chungju area.

24 teams of 300 athletes and 58 amateur teams of 300 members joined together to compete. The groups were divided into high school students, university students, and ordinary people. One female team and one male team of “Armstrong” competed at the Group Quadruple Scull 500 meter and the Uta Four 500 meter race.

In these two races, there was one coxswain and four members in each team. However, the Scull regulations were different. For the Quadruple Scull, one player rowed two sculls. For the Uta Four, each player used each scull. Four players excluding the coxswain rowed according to the guidance of the coxswain who steered the boat.

Rowing requires collaboration compared to other sports. When all the team members of the boat work together as one, the craft reaches the arrival point faster speed. That is why team  Armstrong brought a good result in this competition. 

According to Sung-keun Park who was in charge of training, “Despite many difficulties during the preparing process for this completion, all the team members shared one heart and mind. We worked together as a team with Professor Churlwon Whang, Coach Gu-hyun Kim of Pohang city, and student supporters to achieve this result.”

He added, “Other university teams joined this competition with excellent students. However, our team’s motto was to encourage each other to the end of the race to receive the best results without concern for individual competency. We focused on the process rather than the result which led to receiving the grand prize.”

According to Changjo Park, President of the circle, “Camp training for one month before the competition was the most difficult. I surrendered all to God and just enjoyed every moment. This reduced the stress during the competition.”

Armstrong also ranked the first in the men’s and women’s championships in indoor rowing and ranked second in eight games at Busan Jang Bogo Competition. Every second semester, Armstrong recruits members officially. This recruiting period ended on August 19.

 ※ Terminology

Coxswain: The coxswain is the member who sits in the stem facing the bow. The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat, and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers.  

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