MRC's competitive team is open to all genders of athletes relative to a spectrum of gender identities, including cis-gender, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. While many competitions are gender-specific, athletes are welcome to join any team and be provided options for racing regardless of gender identity.

Our competitive on-water season is typically only 6-months long. Making a commitment to each other and this team should be a meaningful endeavor to all participants and extend beyond the on-water season, including training in the off-water months.  We understand that family and work obligations take priority, but every effort should be made to maximize participation. 

Team Goals and Expectations

• The goal of the competitive team is to build an inclusive, year-round program focused on competing/winning in individual and team competition at the local, national, and international regatta level.

• Athletes will focus on refinement of rowing technique, improving racing skills, and maintaining a competitive level of fitness.

• Athletes will commit to improving their rowing skills through coached practices, independent rows, and off-water training. It is expected rowers complete a minimum of 4-6 workouts per week.

• Athletes must be flexible and team-oriented, able to jump into any lineup or boating configuration, and willing to prioritize team goals over individual goals at practices.

• Athletes are expected to advance in the club’s bow rating system.

• Athletes are expected to participate in club events, including volunteering for club work days, volunteering at regattas hosted by MRC, and attending the annual club meeting.

• Athletes are expected to be capable of safely handling and maneuvering a variety of shells in different weather, water, and boat conditions and to be comfortable with bowing and coxswain vernacular.

Program Selection

For those interested in joining the competitive program, a two-week trial period is required for evaluation and Head Coach approval is required to join to ensure that the athlete is ready to compete at a national level, which will be evaluated based on: 

• Physical Ability: Overall strength, fitness level, and erg scores
  • Athletes should meet a fitness standard for their category (https://rowinglevel.com/rowing-times/2000m-times)
• Technical Ability: Bladework, boat maneuvering, ability to effectively blend in with a boat, and adaptability in different weather, water, and boat conditions
  • All athletes must have at least three years of club rowing experience or a commensurate amount of collegiate experience as determined by the coach.
  • Athletes should be level 3 bowlisted, or work toward obtaining level 3 bowlist.
  • Coaches will observe athletes in both sculling and sweep disciplines, and will assess proficiency, particularly in small boats (1x, 2x).
    
• Mental Ability: Ability to follow directives, handle equipment safely and responsibly, and hold oneself accountable for performance
• Sound Judgement: Ability to make good decisions in high-pressure situations
• Attitude: One’s demeanor when subjected to rigorous physical and mental demands and behavior toward and interaction with teammates and coaches.

• The program is structured to reflect a tiered system that appropriately groups athletes of similar skill-level.
• Boat selection will be determined by a combination of erg testing, seat racing, racing experience, and coach’s discretion. A seat in a team boat is not guaranteed.
• Priority within the program (e.g. goat requests, lineup requests) will be given to those who are training for upcoming races.
• The ultimate responsibility for fitness resides with the athlete.

Racing Commitment

• Athletes are expected to compete in a minimum of 3 regattas per year for MRC
• Rowers are aware of specific regatta rules and regulations (i.e. NWIRA).
• Typically, the team competes at 2-4 local regattas and 1-3 regional or national regattas requiring travel. An athlete can expect to spend between $25-$100 (local) and upwards of $1000-$1500 (national) per regatta.
  • Local: e.g. Minneapolis Sprints, Head of the Mississippi Regatta
  • Regional: e.g. Duluth International Regatta, Head of Des Moines, NWIRA Championship
  • National: e.g. USRowing Masters Nationals, Head of the Charles
• Athletes are required to participate in trailer loading and/or unloading at both MRC and the regatta location, be stewards of equipment while rowing offsite, and represent the club in a professional and courteous manner.

Corinne Linderman


Corinne began rowing in 8th grade for TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, then rowed D3 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the Varsity 8 all four years and was named to the NEWMAC Varsity All Conference team. After completing her NCAA eligibility, she coached the Novice team for WPI. After moving to Salt Lake City, she volunteered to coach for Utah Crew, a juniors program, and rowed with the Great Salt Lake Rowing Club. She became Head Coach of Utah Crew, taking the junior team to USRowing Southwest Youth Rowing Championships as well as taking a Men’s Junior Four to Head of the Charles for the first time in the club’s history. In 2016 she relocated to Houston Texas, where she rowed and competed for Greater Houston Rowing Club. There she helped with Learn to Row, coached land-based training for three years, and coached on the water as much as she could. Linderman moved to Minneapolis in 2023 and started coaching with MRC. She is a Level 2 Certified USRowing coach.

Matt Sargent

Originally from Milwaukee Wi (Go Packers!), Matt Sargent began rowing at Santa Clara University in 1989. After four years as a student-athlete, he returned to coach the SCU novice women during the 1992–1993 season. He remained connected to the sport, and upon relocation to the Twin Cities, joined the Minneapolis Rowing Club in 2011, where he continues to compete as part of the Masters program. Over the course of his rowing career Matt has been lucky enough to find crew mates to pull him to victories at the Pacific Coast Championships, Head of the Charles, San Diego Crew Classic, and U.S. Masters Nationals. In addition to rowing, Matt is an avid cross country skier and holds the record for the slowest completed Birkie.  His passion for rowing continues through his son, Owen, who currently rows with the MRC juniors program. 

Marc Robins

Bio & Pic coming soon