Brockville Rowing Club, BCI and TISS Athletes Shine at Canadian Secondary School Rowing Championships

Brockville – Brockville Rowing Club (BRC) athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association (CSSRA) Championships, Canada’s premier high school rowing competition, competing against North America’s largest and most established rowing programs while continuing to elevate Brockville’s growing reputation in the sport.

On June 5 to 7, 2026, at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Course in St. Catharines, the CSSRA Championships brought together more than 130 schools and clubs from across Canada and the United States, making it one of the largest youth rowing events in North America.

The Brockville Rowing Club and its school partners, Brockville Collegiate Institute (BCI) and Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS), entered five crews in the national championship regatta, with several athletes advancing through highly competitive heats and semifinals.

Championship Results:

• BCI Junior Women’s Coxed Four. Results: 2nd in Heat, 3rd in Semi-Final and 5th Overall in Canada. Crew: Keaton McLean (Coxswain), Frances Berry, Serena Bryan, Isabella St. John and Sloane Fournier. The Junior Women’s Four achieved the club’s highest finish of the championship, earning a place in the Grand Final and securing a remarkable fifth-place national ranking.

• TISS Senior Women’s Quadruple Sculls. Results: 5th in Heat. Crew: Rose LaFrance, Gwyneth Jones, Amelia Ogilvie and Dakota Roffey.
• TISS Senior Women’s Lightweight (63kg) Single. Results: 3rd in Heat, 5th in Semi-Final. Athlete: Rose LaFrance.
• BCI Junior Women’s Double Sculls. Results: 3rd in Heat, 5th in Semi-Final. Crew: Frances Berry and Isabella St. John.
• TISS Senior Women’s Double Sculls. Results: 4th in Heat. Crew: Amelia Ogilvie and Dakota Roffey.

The results cap a season of significant growth for the Brockville Rowing Club and underscore the increasing strength of school rowing programs in Brockville.

The championship weekend came just days after another important milestone for the sport. At the Brockville Collegiate Institute Athletic Banquet on June 3, rowing athletes were recognized alongside traditional varsity sports for the first time in many years, reflecting the growing impact and visibility of rowing within the school community.

Athletes recognized at the banquet included:

• Serena Bryan – Club Spirit Award
• Frances Berry – Most Improved Female Athlete
• Owen Napier – Most Improved Male Athlete
• James St. Pierre – Most Flips Award

In remarks to athletes and families, coaches reflected that rowing teaches far more than racing. The sport develops resilience, responsibility, teamwork and leadership, challenging young people to discover what they are capable of both on and off the water.

“This weekend demonstrated just how far these athletes have come,” said Head Coach Tyler St. John. “Many of our rowers are relatively new to the sport, yet they competed with confidence and determination against some of the strongest programs in the country. We are building more than fast boats, we are building leaders, teammates and young people who understand the value of commitment, hard work and supporting one another. Seeing Brockville represented in championship finals and recognized at the BCI Athletic Banquet reflects the momentum we are creating together.”

For Frances Berry, BCI athletic rower, the experience was a proud moment for the athletes and the community that has rallied behind them.

“What makes me most proud is how much our team has grown. We push each other to be better every day, and we’ve become like a family. A few years ago, rowing wasn’t something many students talked about, and now we’re competing at a national championship and representing Brockville on one of the biggest stages in the sport. Rowing has taught me confidence, discipline and perseverance, and I’m excited to see even more young people discover what makes this sport so special.”

For Mandy Balsdon, parent of TISS athletic rower, the championships were a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to challenge themselves, support one another and pursue excellence.

“Standing on the shoreline at CSSRA, surrounded by some of the biggest rowing programs in Canada, I couldn’t help but feel proud. These athletes come from a small community, but they showed they belong on that stage. The growth we’ve seen in our daughter and her teammates over the past year has been remarkable. They have learned to trust themselves, support one another and push beyond what they thought was possible. As parents, we are grateful to the coaches, volunteers and Brockville Rowing Club for creating an environment where young people can thrive. What is happening here is about much more than rowing, it’s about helping young people discover their potential.”

The Brockville Rowing Club has experienced rapid growth in recent years, welcoming athletes of all ages while fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion and personal development. The club’s youth programs now provide opportunities for dozens of local athletes to compete, volunteer, lead and develop lifelong skills.

Community members interested in trying rowing are encouraged to explore the club’s upcoming summer camps and learn-to-row programs. Set on the beautiful St. Lawrence River, BRC’s camps offer young people a unique opportunity to build confidence, stay active, develop leadership skills, make new friends and experience one of Canada’s most historic sports in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

About the Brockville Rowing Club:

Founded in 1894, the Brockville Rowing Club is one of Canada’s oldest rowing organizations and a cornerstone of sport and recreation in the Thousand Islands region. Located on the St. Lawrence River, the club develops athletes at all levels of the sport; offering learn-to-row, youth, high school, recreational, competitive and adult rowing programs, as well as dryland training and summer camps.

The BRC is committed to promoting excellence, sportsmanship, mentorship and community involvement; helping athletes of all ages develop the confidence, resilience, and leadership needed to succeed both on and off the water and often resulting in a strong community, lasting friendships and a lifelong love of rowing.

For more information, visit www.brockvillerowingclub.com