London, ON - The Mustangs Women's Rowing program will celebrate a big milestone this weekend.

The year was 1969. The Beatles' made their last public performance, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet made its debut and the Western Mustangs women's program was started.

The inaugural crew was a recreational program that transitioned to full varsity status in 1973. 

Now, After 50 years in existence members of the past and present teams will come together for a full weekend of events to celebrate the successes of the over the half century of Mustangs pride.

"We have had an incredible outreach of support from alumni to not only attend but organize the event." said Dr. Dan Bechard, Men's Rowing Head Coach "We believe that alumni want to continue being a part of the program that meant so much to them during their University days.  We hope that this event celebrates the legacy that they started and adds to their positive memories of Western Rowing."

Bechard along with Women's Head Coach Dr. Matt Waddell have been working tirelessly along with their team to put this weekend together.

"We are very proud of the role that Western Rowing has plaid in empowering women in sport." said Bechard "Every year we graduate key student-athlete leaders that become leaders within their communities and professions.  We are committed to the continuation of the legacy that was granted to us."

The weekend of events will begin Friday night with tours of the teams new on-campus training facility at Althouse college. Saturday alumni and supporters are going to cheer on the current Mustangs at the Western Invitational Regatta on Lake Fanshawe and then a celebratory dinner is planned for the evening at Storm Stayed Brewing Co.

Storm Stayed has made a special beer just for the event including special edition imagery on the can to commemorate the occasion.

Since that time, approximately 140 members have represented Canada on the international stage with countless other student-athletes representing their University on the Provincial and National stage.

For full details on the weekend of events Click Here