Competitive Masters Men's Team

About us:

We are a group of experienced rowers of varying ages, backgrounds and athletic abilities who have been drawn together by a common love and vision of rowing. We are a highly motivated group that recognizes individuals’ strong desire to compete as well as balance professional lives and family. Our structured and social atmosphere makes this competitive group a rewarding experience.

About our training:

Organized practices take place 3 times a week year round, but are defined by two distinct seasons: On-The-Water-Season and Winter Training. The three practices are spread out through the week and take place on two weekdays and one weekend day. The Water Season generally runs from April to November, and involves coached practices that take place on the calm water of the early morning. The focus of Water Season it to prepare for competition at Summer and Fall regattas by enhancing our individual and team rowing abilities.

We travel 1 or 2 times a month to compete in regattas that are usually within a 3- to 5-hour drive. Racing crews are selected by the coach based on rowers’ technical abilities and erg times. Members understand that rowers need to balance their commitment to the team with their other life commitments; however, they also recognize the high value of consistent training and team participation. In addition to the three weekly-coached practice sessions, many members also dedicate themselves to additional training in the form of strength training, cardio workouts, and individual sculling.

Winter Training traditionally starts in mid-November and continues through March. During that time, we maintain a practice schedule that is similar to the one followed during Water Season. The three-day-a week practice schedule consists of erg workouts prepared by our coach and coached in-door tank rowing that usually includes video sessions. Both practices focus on staying in shape during the “off season”, technique, and application of power. As in the summer, many members also put in additional training to the organized practice days in the form of strength training, alternative cardio workouts and additional erg training.

About our Coach:

Donald Webber-Plank has over 20 years rowing and 15 years of coaching experience. He has tremendous passion, talent and dedication with proven results. He coaches novice, youth, masters and elite athletes and has medaled collegiate teams in National Championship and International Competitions. He is very attuned to his team's individual needs and supportive of rowers of all abilities. He is a valuable resource at Three Rivers Rowing (TRR) and his efforts are readily observed in the sustained growth of Competitive Masters Team, leading us to numerous medaling performances in Regional and National competitions since 1999.

Donald began his rowing career in college, winning medals at the PAC-10 Championships and taking part in various U.S. Lightweight Pre-Elite Development Camps. After college, he spent the next several years training at National Sculling Training Centers and competing on the elite sculling circuit including National Team & Olympic Trials. As an oarsman, Donald has won numerous medals, including notable events such as US Olympic Festival, American Nationals Rowing Championships, Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, Head of the Charles and more recently at the U.S. Masters National Championships.

Donald began coaching in 1993. His collegiate coaching experience includes University of New Hampshire, Robert Morris University and Carnegie Mellon University. He has also served as Director and Head Coach with specialized rowing/sculling camps including Craftsbury Sculling School, Florida Rowing Center and Rocky Mountain Rowing Center. He is an expert in sweep and sculling technique, and is well-versed sports physiology and psychology.

Donald holds BA in Psychology, Humboldt State University, California; Masters Public Management, Heinz School Public Policy, Public Management, Carnegie Mellon University.

About joining the team:

Members of the Competitive Masters rowing team are required to:

1. Have some rowing/racing experience

2. Be a dues-paying member of TRRA

3. Be a dues-paying member of the Masters Teams

4. Love to row

In addition, to participate in USRowing-sponsored races (several of which the team attends), you must be a current member of USRowing.

To become a member of TRRA, contact the administrative office at the Lambert Boathouse on Washington’s Landing. 412.231.8772. and/or
See Online Information

To become a member of the TRRA Competitive Masters Men's Team please contact the captains below:
Steven Martino
Steve Carr

Team Blog

2008 Water Practice Schedule

(Subject to change – please get in touch captains before showing up)

Tuesday and Thursday – 5:30am-7:00am. Sunday – 7:00am-8:30am

2008 Summer Races

Pittsburgh Indoor Rowing Championships – February 2

Pittsford Regatta – May 31, Pittsford, NY

Schuylkill Navy Regatta – June 14, Philadelphia, PA

Diamond State Master’s Regatta – July 27, Middletown DE

Canadian Masters National Championships – August 15–17, Guelph, ON, Canada

2008 Potential Fall Races (Schedule Still TBD)

Head of the Cuyahoga – September 20, Cleveland, OH

Head of the Ohio – September 27, Pittsburgh, PA

Head of the Potomac - September 28, Washington, DC

Head of the Charles – October 18-19, Boston, MA

Head of the Schuylkill – October 25, Philadelphia, PA

Head of the Occoquan – November 1-2, Fairfax Station, VA