User:Sdreckless

Bulldozer Boat Club

By 2011 Pittsburgh was in its third century of competitive rowing. Notable events took place in the 1800’s, and while there was a brief hiatus for the Industrial Revolution, a resurgence in the late 1900’s through the 2000’s led rowing back to the front pages in Pittsburgh.

Three Rivers Rowing, Steel City Rowing, Pittsburgh Rowing and countless high school teams took up the call. News stories of the era describe the excellent benefits of rowing: the team work, the training regimen, and the personal development required to build fast crews and winning results on the water. As the teams progressed and the crews improved, good technique on the water became the mantra, the calling card of a quality crew.

Then Bulldozer Boat Club emerged, built on the premise that while the finesse required to make a boat capable of winning occasionally is all well and good, a big powerful splashy stroke always looks great, and the crews that can pull this off look impressive on the dock as well.

While this style may be unconventional, that’s a perfect fit for BBC whose year round training program includes Mike’s jumpies, Maggie’s Russian twists, Meredith’s scullers and a ton of Techno, especially during winter training.

On the other side of the coin, if equipment gets broken, that’s just an opportunity to make it stronger for next time. Thin shaft oars? Not for this crew. Heavy boats, big blades, narrow pins, ridiculous oar lengths, extra large crew, yeah, its got to be BBC. Docks to build? BBC. Demolition projects? BBC. Clean up around the boathouse, well. .. . ..

At races, BBC comes through with a consistent solid effort, rowing with the courage,  pride and heart that sometimes bridges the advantage that teams with finesse possess. A hallmark of the team is the tent area. Where rowers are gathered between races the mood is festive, and the refreshments are plentiful.

Once it’s time for hands on, a serious silence creeps through the crowd. Final instructions are given. It is time. The only sounds are the words of our coxswain and the hoarse cheer of exultation from the crowds along the shore. Crossing the finish line can scarcely be discerned by looking at the crew, they row as before to the turn around point and return to the dock as if it were just another practice run, puddles from the oars fading in the wake.

While tough on the water, BBC leads in community service with many members involved in a diverse set of community activates outside of the traditional river sports.