Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 45th RCA Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions and achievements within the Canadian rowing community over the past year. 

The 2025 President’s Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the rowing community. As Head Coach of Men’s Rowing at Western University and President of the Canadian University Rowing Association (CURA), Daniel Bechard has been a driving force in the rowing community. Dan played a pivotal role in bringing the Canada Cup Regatta back to life, successfully delivered the CanAmMex Regatta last year, and is already preparing to lead the FISU World University Championships, continuing his record of excellence and service to the sport. 

Sam Craig and Tom Kent are the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award. 

Sam Craig’s visionary leadership helped shape Canadian rowing from the local to the international stage. As founder and first president of Hanlan Boat Club, president of the Canadian Amateur Rowing Association, and Canada’s representative to FISA for two decades, he advanced the sport’s growth, inclusion, and global presence. His advocacy for women’s rowing, leadership of major international regattas, and lifelong commitment to volunteerism continue to inspire generations of athletes, coaches, and builders across Canada. 

Tom Kent’s legacy in Canadian rowing is grounded in excellence, mentorship, and integrity. A multiple‑time national and provincial Coach of the Year, he has led Brock University’s men’s team to six OUA championship titles and supported more than a dozen athletes in representing Canada on the international stage. Drawing on his own distinguished career as a national team lightweight and international medalist, Tom brings the perspective of a high‑performance athlete to his coaching, deepening the trust and respect he earns from his crews. 

Among these distinguished recipients is Bas Rijniersce, named Volunteer of the Year.  A dedicated timing specialist and Level 2 Umpire, Bas supports rowing at every level: from local regattas to international coastal events. His technical expertise, creativity, and passion for the sport make him an invaluable member of the rowing community.

The Umpire of the Year is Tim Henderson. He devotes countless hours officiating across BC, travelling long distances for fair, safe racing. As Chair of the Rowing BC Regatta Committee, Umpire Clinician, RCA Safety and Events Committee member, and World Rowing Umpire, Tim innovates through the Umpire Leadership Forum, “Umpire Guide” mentorship, and pre-regatta education videos—his coastal and sprint rowing dedication makes him an exceptional sport ambassador.

Calgary Rowing Club’s Head Coach Alex Marchuk has been selected as Coach of the Year. Alex has made a remarkable impact on the Calgary Rowing Club and Alberta rowing, growing a strong junior program and mentoring coaches while advancing provincial and national initiatives. Her leadership has produced outstanding results, with athletes achieving podium finishes at major regattas and success on the international stage. 

Hanlan Boat Club has been chosen as the recipient of the Club – Outstanding Achievement of the Year award for its exceptional accomplishments in 2025. Hanlan Boat Club, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past four years under the leadership of Janet Bolton and Sunny Edmonds. With nine trained coaches, expanded programs for all levels, and a strong focus on safety, inclusion, and long-term athlete development, the club has doubled its membership and revenues while securing grants and donations. Through community partnerships, Safety and DEI Committee, and a culture of engagement, Hanlan has built a thriving, forward-looking rowing community that honours its legacy and embraces its future. 

Stu Chase has been selected for the Para Athlete of the Year award, with the Senior Athlete of the Year award going to Katie Clark for her successful season debuting in the women’s single sculls. Maylie Valiquette has been awarded the U23 Athlete of the Year, and Ciana Della Siega and Novella Rusman have been named Junior Athletes of the Year. Rounding out the athlete awards, the Tony Zasada Memorial award winner was Cait Whittard, and Kendall Rose was the recipient of the Jack Nicholson Coaching Bursary. 

Debbie Wood of Row, Ontario, is the retiring FISA Umpire for 2025.

RCA is also proud to recognize the National and NextGen Canadian rowers who stood proudly on the podium this past year, representing Canada on the international stage. Also being honoured today are the dedicated volunteers receiving Long Service Awards, ranging from 15 to 60 years, for their unwavering commitment to rowing in Canada. 

Together, their dedication and efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the sport of rowing in Canada. Congratulations to all the award winners! 

2025 RCA Excellence Awards Winners

Volunteer of the Year – Bas Rijniersce (Rowing British Columbia)

Umpire of the Year – Tim Henderson (Rowing British Columbia)

Coach of the Year – Alex Marchuk (Calgary Rowing Club)

Jack Nicholson Bursary – Kendall Rose

Club “Outstanding Achievement of the Year” – Hanlan Boat Club

Lifetime Achievement – Sam Craig (Hanlan Boat Club) and Tom Kent (Brock/St. Catharines Rowing Club)

Para Athlete of the Year – Stuart Chase

Senior Athlete of the Year – Katie Clark

Under 23 Athlete of the Year – Maylie Valiquette

Under 19 Athlete of the Year – Ciana Della Siega & Novella Rusman

Tony Zasada Memorial – Kendall Rose

President’s Award – Daniel Bechard (University of Western Ontario)

 

LONG SERVICE AWARD LIST

15 YEARS

Laurel Glanfield / Rowing B.C.

Ge-An Rijniersce / Rowing B.C.

Lisa Robertson / Rowing B.C.

20 YEARS

Sean Moore / Kennebecasis Rowing Club

York Langerfeld / University of Victoria, Rowing B.C.

Aalbert Van Schothorst / University of Victoria, Rowing B.C.

25 YEARS

Simon Litherland / False Creek Rowing

30 YEARS

Dimas Craveiro / Vancouver Rowing Club

35 YEARS

Kim Norris / Kennebecasis Rowing Club

Lynda Dundas / Don Rowing Club

40 YEARS

Brian Fisher

St. Catharines Rowing Club

45 YEARS

Ernst Peters / Don Rowing Club

50 YEARS

Dolores Young / Kennebecasis Rowing Club

Sandra Kirby / Winnipeg Rowing Club

55 YEARS

George Gage / Leander Boat Club

 

International Achievement Award

INTERNATIONAL ROWING CHALLENGE

COACH •   
Michele Fisher  

JUNIOR WOMEN’S QUADRUPLE SCULLS (JW4X) •   1ST

Kennedy Bartel / St. Catharines Rowing Club

Isabella Essig /St. Catharines Rowing Club/Ridley Graduate Boat Club

Karina Biktimirova / St. Catharines Rowing Club

Heidi Wall / Saskatoon Rowing Club

JUNIOR MEN’S QUADRUPLE SCULLS (JM4X) •   1st

Henrik Neuspiel / Ottawa Rowing Club

Jack Coulson / Ottawa Rowing Club

Maxim Froeschl / Ottawa Rowing Club

Myles Quintyn / Niagara Falls Rowing Club

JUNIOR MEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS (JM2X) •   3RD

Myles Quintyn / Niagara Falls Rowing Club

Henrik Neuspiel / Ottawa Rowing Club

JUNIOR WOMEN’S SINGLE SCULLS (JW1X) •   3RD

Heidi Wall / Saskatoon Rowing Club

 

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

COACH •   

Dave Calder

JUNIOR WOMEN’S PAIR (JW2-) •   3RD

Ciana Della Siega / Victoria City Rowing Club

Novella Rusman / Brentwood College School

 

U23 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

COACH •   

Katie Bahain-Steenman

U23 WOMEN’S EIGHT (W8+) •   3RD

Maylie Valiquette / Montreal Rowing Club

Annika Goodwyn / University of San Diego/Burnaby Lake Rowing Club

Gabriella Worobec / University of British Columbia Rowing, Edmonton Rowing Club

Ellexi Fulton / Northeastern University/Shawnigan Lake Rowing Club

Janette Peachey / North Star Rowing Club

Cait Whittard / University of Washington/St. Catharines Rowing Club

Victoria Grieder / Rutgers University/Ottawa Rowing Club

Mira Calder / University of Washington/Brentwood College School, VCRC

Isobel Campbell / University of California, Berkeley/Ottawa Rowing Club

 

JUNIOR PAN AMERICAN GAMES

COACH •   

Joe Rochon

Dave Calder

U23 WOMEN’S EIGHT (W8+) •   2ND

Teija Patry / University of Western Ontario

Tess Friar / Peterborough Rowing Club

Firinne Rolfe / Northeastern University/St. Michaels University School

Riley Richardson / University of Virginia, Ottawa Rowing Club

Ella McKinley / ONGPC/Ottawa Rowing Club

Alessandra Tuttle / Shawnigan Lake Rowing Club

Jalyn Mowry / Peterborough Rowing Club/Brock University

Maylie Valiquette / Montreal Rowing Club

Annika Goodwyn / University of San Diego/Burnaby Lake Rowing Club

U23 WOMEN’S FOUR (W4-) •   3RD

Firinne Rolfe / Northeastern University/St. Michaels University School

Riley Richardson / University of Virginia, Ottawa Rowing Club

Ella McKinley / ONGPC/Ottawa Rowing Club

Alessandra Tuttle / Shawnigan Lake Rowing Club

U23 WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS (W2X)  •   3RD

Tess Friar / Peterborough Rowing Club

Jalyn Mowry / Peterborough Rowing Club/Brock University

U23 WOMEN’S COXLESS PAIR (W2-) •   3RD