Swimmers brave cold to help MV Rowing Club

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrownyourmvi.com

Dressed to the nines, red bow tie and all, Belle Vernon Mayor Gerald Jackson took a dip in the Monongahela River for a good cause. 

The Mon Valley Rowing Club held its first annual Polar Plunge Saturday afternoon at the Belle Vernon Wharf. 

In the midst of its winter season, while club members train using rowing ergometers inside the boat house, they didn’t want to wait until spring to get back in the water and decided to jump on board with the winter trend. 

The MVRC is the dream of Nathanael Stevens, who brought his passion for rowing to the Mon Valley about two years ago. It has gained traction among area residents of nearly all ages who watched from the Allenport Marina while the weather was warm as members rowed up and down the river. 

The Polar Plunge, which cost $20 to participate, was held to raise money for additional equipment as the club continues to grow. 

More than one dozen residents from across the Valley decided to bear the cold to help, and more who weren’t brave enough to jump into the 34-degree water stood by to watch. 

MVRC President Rachel Willson was one of 15 people who decided to get chilly for an organization she is passionate about. 

“We had 15 people register, and one who did not show up, but there was a good turnout,” Willson said. “I think we may have had more first responders there than anything, but that was fine by me. It was nice to have so many departments offer to help us pull off our first event.” 

To read the rest of the story, please subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.