Rowing group finds CRU calling
By Ross Forman
Chicago Qrew, the city's only predominantly gay rowing team, is no more.
It is, instead, reborn as the Chicago Rowing Union ( CRU ) , which was unveiled March 28 as the team's new name.
"Our [ original ] name was witty and catchy, but, as we grew, we continued to realize that our name was difficult to pronounce and comprehend among the greater rowing community," said CRU President Scott Curcio. "While Qrew was/is a proud GLBTQ-identified organization, the 'Q' put a limit on the identity of its diverse group of rowers.
"Part of our mission is to be 'all-inclusive,'" he said. "That means we welcome people of all orientations, ages, sex and ability levels. This wasn't reflected in Qrew's name."
CRU came to life, literally, at the team's 2009 season-opening launch party fundraiser, held at Wild Pug, 4810 N. Broadway. The team also launched its new Web site ( www.chicagorowingunion.org ) , and unveiled a new logo and team colors. About 100 attended the team's gala, including James Cappleman and his partner Richard Thale, members of the Uptown Chicago Commission.
CRU's 2009 season runs through late October, and will be highlighted by two events: the Chicago Sprints ( July 11-12 ) , held at Fullerton Avenue and the lakefront; and the 2009 World Outgames, which start July 25 in Copenhagen.
Curcio, 31, who lives in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood and is a real-estate consultant, said the team's main 2009 goal is to purchase an 8-person boat, which will cost more than $20,000.
Other 2009 CRU goals, according to Curcio, include:
—Increasing community presence;
—Selling out its Learn To Row programs ( which start April 25 ) ;
—Diversifying team membership; and
—Increasing overall membership.
There currently are about 45 CRU members, ranging in age from their early 20s to late 40s, with males and females.
CRU launched its first women's team this year and is expecting 20 new members in 2009.
"We row in either four- or eight-person boats, plus a coxswain [ who steers ] in each, so either five or nine people," Curcio said.
"Over the years we have had a few female members, but we are focusing on recruiting experienced and novice women to join our team," Curcio said. "We recently hosted a women's team interest meeting, and 16 attended."
Curcio said the "majority" of CRU members are gay.
The team mainly competes throughout the Midwest, with 2009 regattas in St. Louis, Milwaukee, Rockford and Washington D.C., among other locations.
Sprint races ( typically held in the spring and summer ) are 1,000 or 2,000 meters long. Head races ( held in the fall ) are 3,500-6,000 meters.
Curcio confirmed that CRU will send a team to Copenhagen this summer for the second World Outgames. As of now, rowing is not offered at the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.
"We are a welcoming, friendly group and provide a strong sense of camaraderie, as well as physical activity," Curcio said.
Anyone interested in joining CRU or learning more about rowing should e-mail Curcio at chicagorowingunion@gmail.com .
Rollers duel
on April 4
The Windy City Rollers will hold the fourth bout of its fifth season on Saturday, April 4, at 6 p.m. at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine. The Fury will take on the Hell's Belles and the Double Crossers play the Manic Attackers.
Tickets are $20-$40. See www.WindyCityRollers.com or www.Ticketmaster.com .
Team Chicago
meeting April 4
Team Chicago will meet Saturday, April 4, 5-7 p.m., at Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan.
Scheduled topics for discussion include the 2009 Outgames in Copenhagen, Denmark; the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany; scholarship availability connected to both events; and helping with the NAGVA Volleyball Tournament, taking place in late May at Navy Pier.
See www.teamchicago.org .
Illinois native wins
men's skating title
Evan Lysacek, an Illinois native now living in Los Angeles, became the first American in 13 years to win the World Figure Skating Championship, CBSSports.com reported.
Lysacek completed an almost perfect free skate the second night, March 26, to come from behind to win. Lysacek became the first U.S. skater since 1996, when Todd Eldredge won it all.
Canada's Patrick Chan took the silver and 2007 world winner Brian Joubert of France came in third after leading the first night.
KICKS Against
Breast Cancer at
Soldier Field
Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus, will play host to the inaugural Soldier Field KICKS Against Breast Cancer collegiate soccer invitational showcasing the best in women's soccer on Sunday, April 26.
Athletes from seven regional universities—including the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and DePaul University—will participate in the unique event to raise awareness and funds for breast-cancer research and treatment. The intercollegiate play will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day; admission price is $10/person.
Contact Emily Brown at 312-235-7148 or ebrown@soldierfield.net .
Center running
kids' sports program
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted—in collaboration with We Got Game—is offering a comprehensive youth sports program for children ages 2-9 April 20-June 12. Class registration is now being accepted.
For a complete listing of classes, to download the registration form or to register online, visit www.wegotgamechicago.com . For more information, contact Coach Brian Ploof at 773-562-6003 or CoachBrian@WeGotGame.com; also, contact Tom Ballentine, the center's director of community and cultural programs, at tballentine@centeronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 245.
2009 golf event
in Palm Springs
The LGBT golfing event known as the 2009 Rainbow Challenge will take place this year at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Calif., April 11-12. Stonewall Golfers is hosting the event.
The fee is $215 each; see www.rainbowchallenge.com or e-mail info@stonewallgolfers.com .
