History of Rowing in the Warwick Valley
Rowing in the Warwick Valley, located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York, has a rich and evolving history. While Warwick itself may not have been as historically prominent for rowing as larger urban areas like New York City or Poughkeepsie, the town and its surrounding areas have contributed to the sport’s growth and development, particularly in recent decades. Rowing began informally in the 19th century, with locals and tradespeople organizing boat races. The introduction of shell rowing, featuring specialized boats with sliding seats, transformed the activity into a competitive and recreational sport.
Simon Haysom, JD
The Early Years of EARC (1988-2000)
The East Arm Rowing Center (EARC) was founded in 1988 by John Sullivan and Simon Haysom. In the beginning, Simon, with his endless imagination and charm, convinced John Sullivan, a dock builder, to partner in a venture selling and renting Alden rowing shells. Sullivan’s dock-building business had expanded to a larger facility, so John and Simon based their sculling operation in John’s old facility.
As the story goes, Alex Emodi, a Hungarian immigrant, and former member of the Hungarian national rowing team that missed the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne because of the revolution in Hungary, was driving around and exploring the Hudson Valley with his wife, Magda. During that drive, Alex spotted a car with a rowing shell on the roof and followed the car to Greenwood Lake. The rest is history, as they say. Alex’s perseverance and passion for the sport of rowing helped guide EARC in its early years, turning EARC into the non-profit, competitive, rowing community it is today. Eventually EARC changed its name to East Arm Rowing Club.
In 1991, EARC began its sweep rowing program with the acquisition of the boat “Bluebird” from Choate School, marking the beginning of its competitive teams. An era of growth began in 1998 with the implementation of EARC’s Greenwood Lake challenge, a 500-meter regatta for local novices. Training started in early April and culminated in a late May/early June Regatta. Twenty crews, that’s 80 beginning rowers and their coaches, took to the water in 4+’s. Six weeks later, they would compete, surrounded by the thrill and excitement of fine competition, crowds, live announcers, food and music. The Learn-to-Row Regatta continues today with more than a hundred novice rowers competing against each other in one of EARC’s largest fundraising events.
Going Strong (2001-2024)
The club acquired its current property in 2001 and in a few short years was offering a range of rowing programs, including for juniors, women, men, and mixed crews. In addition, the Warwick Valley High School crew team is an important part of the East Arm Rowing community.
A major milestone for the club came in 2015 with the construction of a new boathouse, funded by member loans and dedicated to the memory of Alexander Emodi. Over the years, EARC has introduced rowing to hundreds of residents living in the tri-state area, particularly those living in or near Greenwood Lake. EARC athletes have achieved remarkable success, including victories and record-breaking performances at major regattas, including Nationals and World’s, including the Men’s 4+ at Mercer Lake in 2006 and the Women’s Grand Masters 4+ at the Head of the Charles in 2023 and 2024. Notable performances by EARC members include:
- Frank Petrucci, a former US National Team member
- Jim Cody, Jeff Friedrichs, Robert Wagner and Cliff Williams (coxed by Richard Friedrichs) – 2006 raced in Worlds at Mercer Lake.
- Cate Cody, Katy Glover, Jean Zimmer and Jennie Kiesling (coxed by Heather Franklin) – 2023 and 2024 Women’s Master 4+ Head of the Charles – 1st Place and course record
EARC goes International
In a surprising turn of events in 2023, Alex Emodi’s legacy continued when EARC received an invitation from members of the Hungarian rowing club where Alex used to row and compete. EARC was invited to train in Gyor, Hungary and participate in the 2024 Budapest Cup Regatta, a fundraiser with clubs participating from all over Europe. More than 15 club members and family traveled to Hungary, ushering EARC into a future of continued growth in and around Greenwood Lake, the U.S., and now across the globe.
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