Jill Henry
How long have you been at IRC?
The short answer is: My daughter started rowing/coxing in the Juniors program in 2018.
Role(s) at IRC:
I am the past president of the Juniors Booster Club, also a coxswain for the Master's program, and the current parent of a Junior coxswain.
When/where did you start rowing (longer answer):
I actually took Learn to Row back in the 1990s when I first moved to Indianapolis, and I was trying to get to know the city. Loved it but didn’t keep it up, unfortunately. Took LTR again in the summer of 2020 and in 2021 I learned how to be a coxswain which has been fun and makes sense for my height! Short people have a hard time carrying the boat! And let me also say, being a coxswain is harder than it looks!
Favorite regatta/rowing memory:
I love the Dogwood Regatta. We’ve only been once due to COVID and scheduling conflicts, but it was beautiful weather, and the venue is lovely. I like the sprint races better than the head races…although Head of the Cuyahoga is a fun time.
One thing I would like the IRC membership to know about me:
Fun fact, after I originally took learn to row, I volunteered at the rowing venue at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. I was actually volunteering for the US Canoe and Kayak Team which shared a venue with rowing, so I helped with rowing too (it came first!). It was super fun to be so close to the action at the Olympics. I also got to go to several other events in Atlanta including field hockey, track & field, volleyball, and soccer.
What do I enjoy about IRC?
It is great to meet people from all over Indy that you wouldn’t necessarily run across in your everyday life. Rowing is also a great sport that you can do for a lifetime. It helps me get outside more which I really love…and Eagle Creek is a beautiful place to row!
