Row for the Cure is Canceled due to Blue-Green Algae

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

PORTLAND, ORE. -- The Willamette University rowing team hoped to open the 2014-15 season this weekend, the but the Row for the Cure, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28, has been canceled due to the growth of toxic blue-green algae in the Willamette River in Portland.

In addition to providing a competition for area college and club teams, Row for the Cure raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the fight against breast cancer.

"Unfortunately, sometimes in rowing the conditions will dictate whether you compete or not," Willamette Head Coach Reba Knickerbocker said. "In this case I think the race organizers are smartly playing it safe. The bloom of toxic blue-green algae that has appeared along the race course means that any contact with the water either from splashing while rowing or from actually being in the water could result in illness."

Even so, it's a frustrating turn of events for the Bearcats.

"I know that the rowers were looking forward to getting out on to the course and racing," Knickerbocker said. "While this is a bit of a disappointment it just means the boats will be that much more excited and prepared to race at the Portland Fall Classic."

Willamette is scheduled to row at the Portland Fall Classic on Sunday, Oct. 26 on the Willamette River. The Station L Rowing Club and the Rose City Rowing Club are the organizers of the Portland Fall Classic.