SOMERWIL NAMED BROCK UNIVERSITY ROWING COACH
St. Catharines, ON - Brock University Director of Athletics Dr. Lorne J. Adams is pleased to announce the hiring of Peter Somerwil effective August 9th as the new head coach of the Brock University Rowing program.
\"We are delighted to have Peter Somerwil accept this new challenge as the head coach of Brock Rowing,\" said Adams. \"He is well known in the rowing community, has achieved at the highest level, and has a focus on the continued success and development of the rowing program. His appointment assures us of improving on the tradition of excellence established by his predecessor, Joe Dowd.\"
Somerwil brings over 27 years of rowing knowledge to the program having been involved as both an athlete and coach in all levels of rowing right from high school to the world rowing scene.
\"I believe I am bringing continuity to the Brock Rowing program,\" said Somerwil. \"I am one that focuses on a friendly team atmosphere.\"
Somerwil began his rowing career in 1977 at Niagara District HS. From 1981-93 he rowed for the St. Catharines Rowing Club where he made an impact on the national scene as a member of the Canadian lightweight men's eight team (1989, 1992, 1993). He ended his rowing career as an athlete on a high in 1993 capturing gold at the World Championships in the lightweight men's eight.
After graduating from Niagara District HS in 1980, he coached the rowing program there for seven years from 1981-88. He was the coach of the lightweight men at the St. Catharines Rowing Club from 1996-98 and 2000. In 1999-2000 he coached Grimsby High School and for the past eight years he has helped out as a part-time coach with the Brock University program. He is currently working towards his NCCP Level III certification.
Since 2001, Somerwil has been the club captain of the St. Catharines Rowing Club running all the operational aspects of the rowing activities. Last year he had the opportunity to be highly involved with the 100th Anniversary of the club.
He also has been highly involved at the World level as an athlete, administrator and coach. He played a major role in both the 1996 World Junior Rowing Championships and 1999 World Rowing Championships both hosted by the St. Catharines Rowing Club.
Brock University men's rowing program has won three National Championships (1999, 2002, 2003) and seven Ontario Championships (1967, 1972, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003).
