Organization of Allderdice Rowers

The mission of the Organization of Allderdice Rowers (O.A.R.) is to develop character, cooperation, and physical fitness within the team culture of crew. Crew's success demands personal responsibility, goal setting and accountability to the greater whole. O.A.R. provides an opportunity for teenagers (9th-12th grade) to experience competitive rowing. Through workouts and competition in regattas and sprints, the athletes build strong friendships, respect and bonds with each other.

Allderdice High School is the largest public high school in Pittsburgh, PA and it is the only public school in the city which has a rowing team. As a club sport, the team is supported by fees, volunteers, and donations. The team is co-ed with about 50 athletes drawn from the student body. All interested students are welcome to join the team. No prior rowing experience is required to join the team and we do not conduct tryouts. Rowers must be able to pass a swim test in order to join. Regardless of age, those joining the rowing team for the first time spend their first year rowing on the Novice team. While a novice, athletes learn how to pick-up and carry a boat (shell), how to put a shell in the water, how to get into the boat, steer it straight, and row on the water. Novices travel with the JV/Varsity team to all regional regattas. Rowing is a sport for all shapes and sizes and athletic levels. Whether you are tall or small, there is a seat for you on the rowing team. There are boats for all weights and heights (open weight category); boats for lighter weights (lightweight category) and even coxswain positions for those smaller youth interested in steering the boat.

Testimonials

Affiliation with O.A.R. has been integral in the lives of many Taylor Allderdice high schoolers. Some athletes row in college and some are accepted to universities and colleges they would not have otherwise been accepted to, had they not participated in the sport of rowing. Former O.A.R. members are attending M.I.T., Harvard, Duke, Syracuse University, University of Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania State University.