San Diego Rowing Club’s (SDRC) Cathy Kemper set a course record at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this fall. Kemper, 65, made race history when she completed the Veteran Women’s’ Single Scull more than 30 seconds faster than the previous record. The event is known as the world’s largest two-day rowing regatta, with 9,000 racers from 19 countries participating. Of those, 43 were from SDRC, based at 1220 El Carmel Place on Mission Bay. The event also attracts upward of 300,000 spectators. Kemper hopes the exposure will help her recruit rowers “of a certain age.” Although very physical, she believes the non-impact facet of rowing allows athletes to participate longer. “Also, it is very intimately a team sport,” Kemper said. “The team aspects of it are you have to move precisely together and you have to believe in your teammates and know that when you are giving your all, they are too. The teamwork builds some really firm friendships, and I think that’s really important as you age.” Kemper participated in the sport before Title IX made female participation widespread. A first place at SDRC confirms the growing popularity. “This year was the first time that the SDRC had both men’s and women’s juniors travel and row in a mecca of rowing,” said Dave Frost, SDRC president. SDRC sent 18 juniors — students from across the country — to the Head of the Charles Regatta. “The women overcame many obstacles this weekend,” said Guillermo Lemus, women’s head coach. “They came home from the race with a lot of experience that will be key for the difficult season we have ahead.” The race marked the first time that eight out of nine of Lemus’ athletes competed at the Head of the Charles. The team will focus on passing the experience to the athletes who did not make the trip. Juniors’ men’s coach Chris Callaghan will also take the experience and row with it. Callaghan thought his men steered a good course and avoided mishaps, unlike many crews around them. “We finished 60th out of 75, which lets us know that we have a long way to go before we are competitive at the national level again,” Callaghan said. “We have four more fall races … that we are excited to see what kinds of improvements we can make.” SDRC continues to enroll boys and girls ages 12 to 18. For more information, contact Callaghan at (858) 352-8380 or [email protected].