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 (Concept2 Rankings)
• 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. boat 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.

2026 team captain are: Amy Cichanowski, Marc Robins, Heather Gillich and Corinne Linderman!

Corinne Linderman



Corinne began rowing in 8th grade, and hasn't stopped since. After competing for four years in college, she discovered coaching and masters rowing. Corinne enjoys both sprint and endurance races and looks fondly back at many races, including a 200km 5 day race in southern France, which included portages around locks. She's rowed at and has held various leadership roles at various clubs around the country including in Utah and Texas. Corinne happily calls MRC her current rowing home and looks forward to helping MRC continue to succeed both on and off the water. 

Heather Gillich



Heather joined MRC in 2019 and quickly found a home in the competitive rowing community. She loves the challenge of racing, learning new skills, and spending early mornings on the Mississippi with teammates. She has competed at local, regional, and national regattas, including USRowing Masters Nationals, NWIRA, Minneapolis Sprints, Chicago Sprints, Duluth International, Head of the Charles, Head of the Des Moines, Head of the Hooch, and Head of the Mississippi. As a captain, she is passionate about fostering a supportive and transparent team environment where rowers can develop, compete, and have fun. Outside of rowing, Heather works in program evaluation, is pursuing a PhD at the University of Minnesota, and enjoys cycling, lifting, and finding new ways to be outdoors with her doggo.

Amy Cichanowski



Amy is a lifelong endurance athlete and joined MRC in 2001. She grew up in Winona paddling on the Mississippi River and now lives near the boat house with her husband and daughters. She's competed in dozens of USRowing National and Master National Regattas, as well as every boat type at the Head of the Charles.  She is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Youth Ski League and has only flipped her 1x twice (though once was in a regatta).

Marc Robins



Marc joined MRC in 2016.  He's obsessed with rowing and hopes to be good at it one day.