Rowing | 10/22/2016 9:27:00 PM
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The
Robert Morris University Department of Athletics debuted its latest facility Saturday, as the McPhail Boathouse received its grand opening at the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island.
The boathouse is named in honor of former head coach Midge McPhail,
who passed away in September of 2015 after a battle with lung disease caused by complications of Sjögren's Syndrome. She served as RMU's head rowing coach from 2006 to 2015.
"Today is an exciting day for our program," head coach
Nelle Stahura said. "Not only do we honor Midge and all she did for this program with the opening of this boathouse, but we have a place to call home for our student-athletes. The future for RMU rowing is extremely bright."
McPhail's daughter, Jada, officially opened the boathouse by cutting the ribbon as part of the ceremony. She was also joined by her father, Jimmie Burks, members of the McPhail family, RMU Director of Athletics
Craig Coleman, M.D., RMU Senior Associate Athletic Director
Marty Galosi, RMU Associate Athletic Director
Don Smith, RMU rowing alumni and current student-athletes.
RMU worked with Neville Township, Pa., to develop an attractive building design that compliments the entrance to the township coming across the Coraopolis Bridge and provides an added feature to the RMU Island Sports Center. RBA Architects provided the design of the facility, HF Lenze served as the civil engineer responsible for site development and landscape design and Tedco built the complex.
The McPhail Boathouse provides improvements and enhancements for RMU rowing, produces a sustainable home for the program and its student-athletes as well as enhancing recruiting capabilities. Included in the boathouse is an improved access path and dock that allows student-athletes to effectively transport boats to the water and back. The access path runs through the Paradise Lanes property, with the Saunier family providing a model partner.
Led by Stahura, Robert Morris will conclude its fall season Saturday, Nov. 5, by taking part in the Head of the Occoquan in Fairfax, Va.
