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Showcasing the rich rowing history in WNY

Posted at 3:22 PM, Apr 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-29 15:22:16-04

While you watch the boats going up and down the Black Rock Canal, the people rowing them have their eyes on the murals that line I-190. Each one a reminder of what it takes to be a champion.

This weekend, they have their chance to prove they've got it.

"It's always such a great event," West Side Rowing Club Director Frances McGuire said. "It's a really good day to test our speed against some of the top, top boats in the country."

McGuire is talking about the John Bennett Jr. Regatta, which takes place May 1. "It's going to be a great, great weekend. There's going to be a lot of people down here and we're really excited."

The event brings in 26 teams from all over but those with the club say rowing is continually becoming a better opportunity for young women.

"When I was in high school, it was just kind of taking off as a women's sport. They use it in universities to kind of offset the football scholarships with Title IX so right now rowing is the best way for a female athlete to get a scholarship."

The Regatta is open to the public and is free, so if you're interested, West Side's President Ed Corr says you'll be glad you came.