Leadership
Owen Lewis
Board Member
Owen began his rowing career at Syracuse and after a hiatus resumed in his 40s when he became a member of Potomac Boat Club in Washington, D.C. He describes his love of rowing as the search for the “perfect stroke,” a yet-to-be fulfilled endeavor that includes training with Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Calm Waters Rowing, Florida Rowing Center, and All American Rowing Camp. A sculler, he counts among his memorable head races the Head of the Potomac, Head of the Charles River, Head of the Occoquan, and Head of the Hosmer.
After moving to Southern Maryland about 5 years ago, he worked with the St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s crew coach and waterfront staff to start a community rowing program. This still developing vision, Southern Maryland Rowing Association, welcomes all comers, young or old, skilled or not.
Ruth O' Connell
Board Member
Ruth is a founding SMRA member and organizer. She learned to row after college in an adult learn-to-row program in Washington, D.C., in 1990 and then continued to train and compete, first with Capital Rowing Club and then Potomac Boat Club (1992-98) before relocating to St. Mary’s county in the fall of 1998. Currently, she trains with a goal to compete in regional regattas and indoor competitions. Ruth is also a volunteer coach with the St. Mary’s College of Maryland rowing team.
The following is her guidance on participating in the competitive rowing group.
Experienced rowers in good physical condition are encouraged to join the group. They should already have a solid understanding of rowing technique and the biomechanics that contribute to set, acceleration, run, and timing.
The inherent objectives of this group includes a commitment to competitive-level conditioning in/out of season, regular attendance at rowing practices, and the pursuit of high-level competition. (Regattas typically occur on the weekends and are usually within a few hours driving distance from St. Mary’s City.) Participation in the group is considered on an individual basis with no set guidelines. The decision to accept a rower into the competitive program rests solely at the competitive coaches’ discretion.
The SMRA Competitive program enjoys a balance of racing and club spirit; being a part of the competitive program at SMRA means joining a team of rowers who participate in community and club events in addition to regattas and practices
Anna Lindgren-Streicher
Board Member
Anna has been the Head Men's and Women's Rowing Coach at St Mary's College of Maryland since 2018. Her previous coaching experience includes Nova Southeastern and Tufts University. She recently led the SMCM Women's Crew to a first-ever conference championship and has successfully expanded the college program with each successive year of her tenure. Anna joined the SMRA Board of Directors in 2022.