Sebastian Rowing Club to honor fallen teammates

SEBASTIAN — The sport of rowing is teamwork’s best teacher. The crew that is made up of individuals willing to sacrifice their personal goals for the team ends up on the medal stand together. To honor two such rowers who died too young, the Sebastian River High School Rowing Club will dedicate to boats to the memories of Joe Kelly and Anthony LaRosa.

The Sebastian River High School Rowing Club is a local program that instills these qualities in young people. Coach Tom Lange started the program in 2005, which caught the attention of two young men that immediately joined the original team.

Joseph M. Kelly and Anthony LaRosa were vibrant young men that benefited from the experience of being involved with “Crew.”

The sudden deaths of these two young men in 2010 deeply saddened the club members, coaches and parents. It was decided that two boats would be named for them, one of the highest honors in the sport of rowing.

An entire weekend of events is taking place, starting with the dedication of the two boats, “Smiling Joe Kelly” and “Anthony LaRosa” on Friday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marsh Landing Restaurant, in Fellsmere, followed by a celebratory dinner at 7 p.m.

Meet the current team members, coaches, alumni and supporters of this unique program. For reservations please call Rene LaRosa at 772-633-5462. The cost for children under 12 and team members is $5 per person, Adults, $10 per person. Seating is limited, so make your reservations as soon as possible!

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the newly named boats go into the water as the Sebastian River High School Rowing Club hosts their 5th Opening Day Regatta at the C-54 Canal. A competitive day of racing among eight schools will be an enjoyable way to be outside and see the sport in action.

Races commence at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 4:30 p.m. A concession stand will offer food and drinks for purchase. Parking is $5. Directions to the Canal: Take County Road 512 to Fellsmere, turn right on N. Broadway St., to 98th Street, turn left, to 138th Avenue (SR 507), turn right. Entrance will be approx. 3.4 miles, on the left.

On Sunday, Feb. 19, a 5K Run/Walk will take place, starting 8 a.m. at Riverview Park in Sebastian. Cost is $25 in advance, $30 on race day. Applications are available at Runner’s Depot of Vero Beach, 436 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Questions regarding the 5K can be directed to 772-569-7364 or E-mail: runnersdepot@comcast.net

Participation in all these events contributes to the SRHS Rowing program, enabling more young people to become involved with this sport. Being a club sport, fundraising is necessary to keep equipment in competitive condition and to support participation in regional regattas.

For more information, please call Coach Tom Lange 772-564-4348 or (321) 806-9971 or visit www.sebastiancrew.org.

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