The questions that come up most often. If yours isn’t here, email the coach.
Is UTC Rowing varsity?
No. UTC Rowing is a club sport— recognized by UTC Club Sports and a member of USRowing, ACRA, and SIRA. The program has been club-status for its entire 55-year history.
I’ve never rowed. Can I join?
Yes. Three of the four athletes in UTC’s 2026 ACRA crew sat in a boat for the first time on April 6, six weeks before nationals — and all three are back for year two. No experience is required. See /join for how to start →
What does it cost?
A small annual club fee (covers USRowing membership, equipment shared with Lookout Rowing Club, and event entries). Travel to away regattas is on the athletes — UTC Club Sports covers insurance for practice and travel; the rest is fundraising.
When do you practice?
In season (fall and spring), three sessions a week on the Tennessee River. Off-season is erg work and land training. Times shift with daylight; the coach sets the schedule and new rowers get it on day one.
Where do you row?
Out of the William G. Raoul Rowing Centerat 1001 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga — the home of Chattanooga Rowing and Lookout Rowing Club. We share equipment and water with Lookout Rowing Club while we rebuild UTC’s own fleet.
Can I come watch?
Absolutely. The Head of the Hooch (Chattanooga, every November) is the easiest race to spectate — UTC enters boats every year and the course runs through downtown. For practice, the boathouse is at the end of Riverside Drive and visible from the public Tennessee Riverwalk. Email the team at rowutc@gmail.com if you want a behind-the-scenes boathouse visit.
Where do donations go?
Tax-deductible through UTC’s official giving portal (campaign 42934, processed by the University of Chattanooga Foundation). The current priorities are on the donate page: covered racks at the boathouse, a fleet replacement, an on-campus training room at Maclellan Gymnasium, and ongoing race travel. Named gifts (boats, racks, seats) are welcomed — email Michael Kinsey, Alumni Relations Director, at kinseymi@radl.solutions.
I rowed at UTC. How do I get involved?
Easiest paths, lowest friction to highest:
Add yourself to the roster at /submit. Even just a name + year helps.
Send photos, race results, or memories — same form.
Sign up for the mailing list (footer) for race recaps and program updates.
Donate, named-give, or come row at the alumni boat at the Hooch in November.
What about women’s rowing?
Historically a huge part of the program — the 1988 Dad Vail bronze was UTC’s first national medal (women’s varsity 4+), and the 1995–96 Augusta Invitational sweep was driven by the women’s crews. This year’s squad is men only by accident, not design. Women rowers are wanted; email rowutc@gmail.com or sign up at /join.
How does a photo get on the site?
Submit it via /submit. If you can name people, regatta, and year, even better. Some land on alumni cards directly; others go to /identify where alumni help fill in names. Credit defaults to the submitter (attributed); say so if you’d prefer anonymous.