University of Toronto

(TORONTO, February 10, 2022) The Argonaut Rowing Club (ARC) is proud to announce the return of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues rowing team to ARC. The U of T rowing team started at ARC 125 years ago on this day, February 10, and we are thrilled to have a renewed partnership set to commence April 1, 2022.

Within the structure of this agreement, the Varsity Blues rowing team will move their training headquarters to the ARC boat house, providing a new and enhanced space to further grow and develop high performance rowers.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Varsity Blues program and our rowers in particular,” stated Beth Ali, executive director, athletics and physical activity at the University of Toronto.  “Our goals aligned very well with elements they offer, including opportunities for coaching and long-term athlete development. The decision was carefully reviewed, and in the end, this is the best option for our student-athletes.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the U of T Varsity Blues rowing team back to ARC and strongly believe in the role a university partnership plays to the overall success of a Club,” said Jason van Ravenswaay, president, Argonaut Rowing Club. “The Club is celebrating its 150th anniversary and couldn’t be prouder to be starting the next 150 years with the University of Toronto.”

The presence of U of T U23 and Senior athletes on our docks will provide a model and inspiration for our thriving Junior program where U19 athletes can now see a pathway into their post-secondary education, staying within Toronto, with the country’s largest and most prestigious university. The partnership also creates mentorship and coaching opportunities for Varsity Blues athletes, which will help support ARC programming.