Laurentian University will be sending a pair of rowers to represent Team Canada at the 2018 World Under 23 Rowing Competition in Poland.
Charles Alexander and Hayley Chase have been selected to represent Team Canada, along with Voyageurs rowing head coach Amanda Schweinbenz, who has been recruited to coach lightweight men's double sculls boat.
Chase and Alexander were selected to be part of Canada’s U23 after racing at the 2018 Speed Order regatta held in London last week.
Alexander finished seventh, while Chase placed 12th making them eligible for the U23 team. The pair then went through an additional vetting process lasting over three days, before they were both placed within the top crews.
The pair will be rowing in quadruple sculls boat in their division.
“Both Hayley and Charles are shining examples of what student success at Laurentian looks like. We pride ourselves in empowering our students to explore their talents and turn their dreams into reality, said Laurentian athletic director Peter Hellstrom.
“Hayley and Charles have applied themselves to their sports training three times a day six days a week, they took that training and turned it into even greater success.”
Hayley Chase, 20, an all-rounder student-athlete entering her fourth year in Sport & Physical Education program has gained considerable recognition not only for her sportsmanship but also for her dedication towards the sport. She was voted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was awarded the commitment to excellence award at Laurentian’s athletic banquet.
Charles Alexander, 20, is entering his third year in Sport and Physical Education this fall and was named NextGen Athlete at the RBC training grounds in Toronto last year.
Both Chase and Alexander were scouted by the head coach, in their first year. Schweinbenz has since taken it upon herself to train the duo to master the sport and help them chase their Olympic dream.
“Hayley and Charlie have grown exponentially as athletes, especially considering both of them had no connection to the sport before joining the Voyageurs," Schweinbenz said.
"They have worked incredibly hard to achieve this goal, and I can’t wait to watch them race in Poznan representing Canada and the Voyageurs."
The Under 23 teams will be heading to compete in Poznan, Poland on July 16.
