|
|
|
Charles Harding
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
 |
May 8, 2005--A long time ago and across the sea, Charles Harding was an elite oarsman in England. Well,
he’s taken that talent and brought it here to Wichita. You’ll see him and the teenagers he
coaches on the Arkansas River in the Wichita Rowing Association Junior’s Program.
|
On the river, it is the shimmering majesty of muscle., oars, and sleek boats. They glide like
a ballet across the Arkansas River.
“I think this is a very nice river. It’s wide enough. It’s deep enough.”
“It makes you much stronger. It’s not like you can stop and ride. It’s not like if something
goes wrong you can stop and fix it. You have to keep going.” |
Charles Harding coaches the Wichita Rowing Association Juniors Program. And it is from
warehouse that Wichita teenagers are exposed to this centuries old sport.
“I think the kids like to be in a sport that’s different. |
 |
 |
Harding grew up in Britain. He was a member of the Walton-On-Thames Rowing Club. In the mid
1970's, he and three of his mates won the Queen's Silver Jubilee Race. A race that occurs
every twenty five years. To this day, he and the other three oarsmen are friends for life. |
|
| “We have a connection that no one else can have.” |
Today he operates a travel business, but in his spare time teaches these teenagers the art of
rowing, a team sport in every way.
Recently some of his rowers won in their division competing with other Kansas schools. |
|
"They build up a friendship and a relationship with other kids and their only connection is
rowing and that will stay with them, hopefully their whole lives." |
There is a beauty in these boats, especially the eight man versions, and by the way while the
look sleek and simple, some of these can cost over thirty thousand dollars.
But it is on the water, where speed is paramount and teamwork is essential. |
 |
 |
“We don’t put a lot of emphasis on individual success, it’s the crew, it’s the boat, it’s the
winds and the kids seem to pick up on that.”
Practicing three times a week, these teens receive more than aching muscles. |
They are part of a time honored tradition that builds camaraderie, teamwork, and forges
friendships for life.
“It’s a beautiful sport to watch.” |
If you would like more information about the Wichita Rowing Association you may contact Charles
Harding at: 316 776.9576
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
