London, ON - "We're doing everything we can to come home with the banner." said Coach Bechard, as the Mustangs Rowing program aims for gold at the Canadian University Rowing Championships this weekend. 

After finishing 2nd at the Ontario University Athletics' Rowing Championships on October 28, the Western Mustangs Men's and Women's Rowing teams are ready to make their mark on the 2023 Canadian University Rowing Championships starting this Friday, November 10 in Burnaby, British Columbia. 

Western Mustangs Men's Rowing Head Coach, and nine-time Ontario University Athletics champion and six-time Canadian University Rowing Champion, Dr. Daniel Bechard has his sights set on adding another banner to the collection. "We're doing everything we can to come home with the banner. I'm very proud of the commitment, diligence and positive attitude each team member has put forward. Training has been continuous since last January and we're excited to put together our best possible performances on Canadian University Rowing's biggest stage", said Coach Bechard. 

So far this season, Bechard says he is most proud of the teams' community. "Being undefeated in the open men's eight, four, pair and single has been outstanding. However I'm most proud of how the group has come together and created an environment of support around each other. It truly is an outstanding group to work with".

Dr. Matthew Waddell, Mustangs Womens' Rowing Head Coach, and two-time OUA Coach of the Year, and Canadian University Rowing Association's Women's Coach of the Year, echoed the same importance of community in building their team. "When a group of talented athletes dedicates themselves to working hard together in pursuit of a shared goal, they can accomplish anything they put their minds to".

Aiden Hembruff and Leslie Kelley are two Mustangs Rowers who are integral parts of this Mustangs community.

A third-year Engineering student from Ottawa, Aiden Hembruff, elaborated further on the importance of a positive environment. "Performing at a high standard begins with a successful team environment in which the leaders, and in turn the rest of the team, pushes to better themselves every day. Combining this work ethic with a positive environment will result in continued success at all levels", said Hembruff. 



Hembruff began rowing in high school before joining the Mustangs Rowing program in 2021. "I have two older brothers who both rowed in high school, with the eldest having competed in University as well. I wanted to follow in their footsteps and ended up really enjoying the competitive environment", he said.

In his three years competing as a Mustang, the friendships Hembruff has made are his favorite part. "The best part about being a Mustangs rower is the friendships I have made with people across the team. We operate as a collective, with the men's and women's teams training and competing in close proximity throughout the season. Some of the most valued friends I've had in the past few years have been members of the team".

Leslie Kelley, who has been rowing as Mustang for several years now, enjoys the competitive nature of the sport. "I started rowing on the Western novice team in 2017. The adrenaline rush during a hard race or workout is what sparked my interest in the sport. The excitement of racing and competing at a high-level and the relationships I have built with my teammates have become some of my favourite parts about rowing", said Kelley. 
Similar to Hembruff, Kelley also believes that unity and collaboration contribute to a successful program. 



"Generally, I find the most successful teams have a common goal that they are working towards accomplishing. Accountability from within the team is crucial for overall success. Connecting with people individually, listening to each other, asking questions, and looking at situations from multiple perspectives are all essential for creating a good team culture", said Kelley.

The Western Mustangs Rowing Program is built on the foundation of a strong community, and has a history of open collaboration and respect for every member. This method has proven to be successful time and time again, especially under the coaching staff spearheaded by Coach Bechard and Coach Waddell. The Mustangs Women's Rowing and Men's Rowing teams have won an impressive number of banners.

The Mustangs Women's Team have won 30 OUA provincial championship banners with the most recent OUA banner win coming last year in 2022; And they have won 8 National Banners, the most recent being in 2017.

The Mustangs Men's team have also won 30 OUA provincial championship banners, last winning in 2019. And they have won 6 national championship banners, the most recent being in 2015. 

If one thing is certain, it's that this Mustangs Rowing team will be purple and proud this weekend on their journey to bring home another Canadian University Rowing Championship.

The Mustangs Rowing teams will be competing in the following events in the Canadian University Rowing Championship this weekend:

Men's Rowing

• Mens 1x
• Mens Lightweight 1x
• Mens 8+
• Mens Lightweight 2x
• Mens 2-
• Mens Lightweight 4+

Women's Rowing

• Womens Lightweight 2x
• Womens 2-
• Womens Lightweight 4+
• Womens 1x
• Womens Lightweight 1x
• Womens 8+

For more information, visit: Canadian University Rowing Championship - Entries (regattacentral.com)