District News

Information and photo taken from the October 2011 newsletter of Row to the Future

Students at Aki Kurose Middle School kicked off the second year of Erg Ed - a program that embraces rowing as an integral part of physical education - by setting a new world record in the 10-minute indoor rowing relay. The team logged 2,584m, beating the previous record of 2,557m set by Fisher Junior High in Indiana.

This innovative program uses rowing as a tool to further support lifelong wellness, participation beyond the classroom and improved water access.

One member of the record-setting team of four students said his favorite part of Erg Ed is, “working together and encouraging my teammates to row more meters.”

Achievement in the program extends far beyond the 10-minute relay as students work to improve rowing technique, navigate the performance monitor and set and achieve personal goals.

Heather Alschuler, Erg Ed Coordinator and ’08 Olympian, is inspired by the students. “It is amazing to watch them on the erg; they all love it! Each student finds success at some point within the five days they spend on the erg. It is wonderful to see the effort level put out by each and every student.”

Now in its second year, Erg Ed reaches 2,000 students at seven different middle and K-8 schools: Aki Kurose Middle School, Denny International Middle School, Eckstein Middle School, Madrona K-8, McClure Middle School, Pathfinder K-8 and Washington Middle School.

Photo above: Aki Kurose's indoor rowing team breaks world record in 10-minute relay.