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04/25/2006: "New Home For Orcas High School Rowers"

(Ribbon cutting by Moran State Park superintendent Chris Guidotti; Breona Gutschmidt, who started the ball rolling on building construction; and Dave Rosenberry, one of the founding parents -John Evans photo)

By John Evans

Orcas Island's high school rowers now have a place to call home. For the past 9 years, beginning at 5:00 in the morning, parents and coaches have trailered the rowing shells from garages and barns across the island to Cascade Lake three days a week for the 6a.m.student rower practices. A cooperative effort between the rowing club, Washington State Parks and the San Juan Builders Association means that cross-island trailer treks area thing of the past. The brand new rowing shed open house was held on Saturday.

Located at the East end of Cascade Lake, the building was built largely with donated labor and materials by contractors and suppliers who are members of the San Juan Builders Association and lots of volunteer effort by parents, students and supporters. The completed 2100 square foot buildings cost, $21,000 =$10.00 per square foot! The structure was designed to fit with the style of Moran State Parks other buildings and is nestled back in the trees but with easy access to the dock and the lake for the rowers.

Breona Gutschmidt was given the honor of cutting the ribbon. She is credited with being the originator of the competitive rowing program when she was a new student at Orcas Island high school. From humble beginnings and borrowed hand-me-down equipment the program has grown to include a small flotilla of rowing shells, awards from competitive rowing events across the country and a program that attracts 10% of the student body to the early morning drills and practices.

Chris Guidotti, Moran State Park Superintendent said that one of the benefits from the successful community effort at Moran State Park is that the Washington State Parks system statewide is now open to similar partnerships for a wide variety of activities, thanks to the pioneering effort initiated by a dedicated group of parents and students from Orcas Island.