Co-Head Coaches
The co-head coach for the Asheville Youth Rowing Association is Jack Gartner. A graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, the University of Pennsylvania, Jack rowed for the legendary Joe Burk at Penn for four years from 1960 through 1964, where he was the captain of the men’s heavyweight crew. Upon graduation, he declined the opportunity to train with the Olympic program and went home to work in the family business. Jack started the rowing program at both Mercyhurst Prep School and Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa. in the early 1970’s. He also began the Mercyhurst Regatta which is now over 30 years old. He went on to coach high school crews at The Baldwin School, Philadelphia, Pa.; Upper Marion High School, Philadelphia, Pa.; and Lower Marion High School, Philadelphia, Pa.
Our other co-head coach is Dawn Scott. Dawn rowed in college at the University of Miami and went on to coach college crews at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, Miami, her alma mater, and Barry University in Miami. Dawn realized her passion for coaching youth rowing. Dawn was the Director and Head Coach for Belen Jesuit, where she coached for over six years. She has also coached at the Baylor School in Chattanooga and Pine Crest in Florida. Having the experience of starting Belen Jesuit, Dawn also was hired as the first Director and Head Coach of Peachtree City in Georgia. Dawn’s crews have had success at the regional and national level. In 2014, her Women’s 4s won Gold and Silver at Southeast Regionals. In 2011, her Men’s Lightweight 8 won Silver at Scholastics, in 2009, that crew won Silver at Scholastics and in 2008, her Men’s Frosh 8 won Bronze at Scholastics. Dawn is also an accomplished personal trainer and brings that skill to the table along with coaching.
Assistant Coaches
Colin Regan rowed in high school and college and has been coaching ever since. His most recent coaching venture was at Southern Methodist University but he coached at the University of Miami for five years where he was designated lead coach in 2021. He coached at the Coast Guard Academy for two years. Colin also has experience with youth coaching at Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia where three of his crews won Gold at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Colin was also the Men’s U19 and U17 Head Coach at Penn AC Rowing Club in Philadelphia for 3 years.
Margaret Ervin Bruder helps to coach our middle school kids. Margaret is a professor at Western Carolina University where she teaches comparative literature, film studies and American history.
Board of Directors
Jack Gartner, President and Chief Executive Officer
Martha Williams, Secretary and Program Director/Administrator