A group of fairly inexperienced rowers, all interested in competing in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, founded Qrew Chicago in 2005. They ultimately braved the heat and humidity on that July race day, which hovered near 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity—not to mention the anti-gay group that was opposed to holding the Gay Games' rowing event in suburban Crystal Lake._______________________
Qrew Chicago. Photo courtesy of the organization_______________________
'The city of Crystal Lake was a great host. They really opened the welcome gates for everyone who was there. It was a great place to race. It's a beautiful venue, a beautiful setting,' said Scott Curcio, a Chicago resident who serves as the vice-president for the nine-person board of directors for Qrew Chicago, the Midwest's only LGBT rowing organization—and one of only three such rowing organizations in the world.
'Every race that we did in 2006 kind of put us on the map,' Curcio added. 'Every race that we did in 2007 helped keep us on the map. Rowing is a sport that requires a lot of organization. It isn't like, say, running, where you can basically run anywhere in the world and all you really need [ to purchase ] is a pair of shoes. Rowing of course takes a lot more financial needs and a lot more planning. You have to find the place [ to row ] and the equipment. The rowing community has been very welcoming to our team. I think they have been impressed that we have been able to build such a strong membership and following in such a short period of time.'
Qrew Chicago has about 45 members, of which about 90 percent are male. Team members range in age from 23 to 49.
The team practices in Skokie at the Dammrich Rowing Center.
'We're very fortunate to have a very dedicated group of members who have taken the organization to where we are today,' said Curcio, 30, who works in marketing for Whole Foods and as a realtor. 'The group remains focused on fun and the camaraderie of the members. We have some intense workouts and we can really showcase people's ability to dedicate themselves to one single thing.
'When we started, we didn't really know where we were going [ with the club ] , but we quickly found that Chicago had a real big interest in this. This is the first year where we've grown to the point where we now have a couple of different programs under our group.'
During 2005-2007, all members were basically on one squad, all rowing together. This year, Qrew Chicago has divided things up, with three distinct programs. The top-level competitive team is for rowers with experience; this team will practice five days a week. Then there's the club team, for rowers with some experience but are limited time-wise. Finally, there's a novice team, for those with one year or less of experience on the water. None of the teams is age-specific.
'What we've seen is [ that ] there's a really strong interest in this sport among the GLBT community. Sure, there are a lot of GLBT people who have never done it, but they've always been interested in it,' Curcio said. 'Our membership is a diverse group of men and women, representing all communities.'
Qrew Chicago's current season runs through October and features the Stonewall Regatta in Washington D.C. May 31, and the Chicago Sprints July 12.
Anthony Chacon is the new head coach and competitive rowers' coach. He previously coached the University of Notre Dame and the Lincoln Park Boat Club.
Dennis Sneyer is the club rowers' coach for the 2008 season; he previously was a Qrew rower. Erin Cikanek coaches the novice rowers; she previously worked with Northwestern University's novice program.
'I just think that rowing is a sport that, when you grow up in the Midwest, it is a little bit foreign. It's not something that you see every day; it doesn't have as strong of roots and history in the Midwest as it does elsewhere in America,' Curcio said. 'Plus, when people think of rowers, they often think of people who wake up at 4 a.m. to row. And, sure, for some of us, that is the case. But not so for a lot of us.
'I know that a lot of newcomers are just curious about rowing. And when they come out for the first time, a good percentage really find that it's a really interesting sport and something where you're always trying to improve; you're never perfect and you're always trying to get better; there's always one little piece of your stroke that you can improve.'
Curcio said the 2008 goals for Qrew include expansion and fundraising, so it can purchase its own equipment. The team needs to buy one four-man boat and one eight-man boat, and the group needs to raise $32,000 for the equipment.
'Another focus this year is to expose more women to the sport, and perhaps, eventually, be able to field a full eight-person boat of women,' Curcio said.
So, is rowing a sport?
Absolutely, Curcio said. 'Anyone who would come out and try it out would, I guarantee, be winded after the first intense workout, regardless of what [ physical ] condition they are in. Rowing brings together athletic ability, technique, physical prowess and a lot of concentration. It is as much a mental game as it is a physical game.'
