Eastern Michigan hosts USRowing training camp for the University World Championships

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The creation of Eastern Michigan University’s state-of-the-art rowing course at Ford Lake is expected to pay immediate dividends as USRowing has selected Eastern as the site of the USRowing training camp for the University World Championships. Eagles Head Coach Kemp Savage will train the women’s team, which also includes the EMU student athlete Lily Wilhelm.

After training at Ford Lake from June 5-30, the American student-athletes will travel to Rotterdam, Netherlands to compete against student-athletes from around the world at the World University Championships from July 3-6 at the Willem-Alexander-Baan. The complex opened in 2012 and hosted the 2016 World Championships.

Savage most recently coached the U.S. team at the 2018 World University Championships in Shanghai, China. Savage led the U.S. V8+ to a bronze medal at the international event, while the V4+ finished fifth. The lightweight double sculls finished 11th overall. Current EMU assistant coach and former Eagle student-athlete Delaney McGuire competed in the lightweight double sculls under Savage’s coaching.

William (Noblesville, Indiana/Noblesville/Butler) has been a mainstay in the 1V8 over the past two seasons, capped by earning All-Coastal Athletic Association honors in 2023.

USRowing has had high praise for the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake. USRowing Executive Director Rich Cacioppo emphasized the venue’s transformative potential, comparing it to iconic regatta courses steeped in history and tradition. “Great venues have character,” noted Cacioppo. “They reflect the pride of a place that inspires participants and creates memories for all who visit. The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake has the makings of an iconic venue – one that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

When the course opened, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo spoke of the transformative impact of the project, saying, “We are on the map and on high with our partners. Together, we have turned our goals into successes and laid the foundation for a vibrant future.” Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, echoed Stumbo’s sentiments, emphasizing the economic and cultural importance of the rowing course. “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and promoting tourism,” noted Miller. “The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake positions Ypsilanti as a center for athletic excellence and showcases our community’s spirit of innovation and collaboration.”

“It has been a great pleasure to have the help and support of EMU Athletics, Ypsilanti Township, the Ann Arbor Sports Comission and the Marriott Eagle Crest,” Savage said. “Their belief and investment in rowing on Ford Lake is invaluable as we continue to make Southeast Michigan an international rowing center.”

For more information about the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake, click here.

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