Summer 2019 Newsletter

To the Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Virginia Rowing,

On June 1, 2019, the VRA Board met to review the season just completed and to plan for next year. We presented Frank Biller with a Resolution which reviewed his ten years of outstanding service. We also presented Frank with a watch purchased for him with special donations made by board members and young alumni. We thought it was important to pause to recognize Frank’s hard work and leadership. In the process, we had a chance to reflect on the remarkable progress the VRA has made over the past ten years. This fall, I will write to you again to outline our plans for continued success.

For now, though, we need your help to achieve our budget for the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. To give you context, here is an overview of our budget for FY 2019:

This budget pays our staff (two full-time coaches and one part-time assistant), for the cost of traveling to regattas in the fall and spring (which increases every year), for training costs and the costs to maintain our equipment, and for the costs associated with the various initiatives that help generate revenue (such as the summer camp).

As you can see, the team and our staff have worked diligently to do their share to help meet our budget. With your help, we can raise $32,000 this month and close the books on another successful financial year for VRA. Please make a gift today.

And if you would like to join in our recognition of Frank’s 10th Anniversary as Director of Rowing and Head Coach, please note that in the comments when you make your gift.

Thank you for your continued support of VRA.

Andy Fletcher (Law ’92)
President
Virginia Rowing Association

Resolution of Virginia Rowing Association

Whereas, Virginia Rowing Association hired Frank Biller in August 2009 as Head Coach and Director of Rowing;

Whereas, 2019 marked Frank’s 10th season as Virginia Rowing Association’s Head Coach;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank’s Varsity 8 won the ACRA Championship Regatta twice;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank’s crews have won a total of 49 medals in the SIRA, Dad Vail, and ACRA championship regattas, a record unmatched by any other rowing program;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank’s crews have won the Head of the Charles Regatta six times;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank’s crews have competed in The Royal Henley Regatta, reaching the final four in the 2011 Temple Challenge Cup;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank has increased Virginia Rowing’s annual revenue more than 100% and has consistently maintained a steadfast commitment to VRA’s financial well-being;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank has worked with major donors to secure gifts to fund new rowing shells as well as two major unrestricted gifts in amounts that are unprecedented in the history of VRA;

Whereas, In the past 10 years, Frank has exhibited a consideration for his athletes that extends to all areas of their lives and personal development;

Whereas, Frank is the longest tenured coach in the history of the VRA;

Whereas, The Virginia Rowing Association Board looks forward to having Frank Continue to lead Virginia Rowing for many years to come, and wishes to express its gratitude to, and respect for, Frank’s dedication, service, and accomplishments;

Now, therefore, the Virginia Rowing Association Board, hereby presents to Frank this timepiece as a lasting symbol of gratitude for Frank’s service and commitment to Virginia Rowing Association, to the athletes who have rowed for Virginia, and to the sport of rowing.

This 1st Day of June, 2019

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