DES MOINES, Iowa – It was a special day for the Drake University rowing program last Saturday, Sept. 28. Drake started its fall race season with the Head of the Des Moines Regatta and the program hosted the grand opening for its Bright-Beckwith Boathouse in Prospect Park.
 
Family, friends and alumni were invited to the grand opening that celebrated the completion of the Bulldogs' home in Prospect Park. The Bright-Beckwith Boathouse is joined by the Buroker Family Dock that was installed by Terry Jansen and his crew with Drake Facilities and Planning Management.
 
Longtime head coach Charlie DiSilvestro, Director of Athletics Brian Hardin and Dr. P. Sue Beckwith each shared remarks to the crowd. The boathouse is named in honor of Lois Bright, the late founder and president of the H. Dale and Lois Bright Foundation and Dr. Beckwith.
 
The $1.3 million state-of-the-art Bright-Beckwith Boathouse provides Drake rowing and the Greater Des Moines rowing community with the proper environment to safely and efficiently hone their craft. It features the Coach Charlie DiSilvestro Boat Bays for boat and equipment storage, as well as a dedicated locker room and team room for the Drake rowing program. The heated indoor space allows the team to practice when water and weather conditions prevent outdoor training.
 
On the water, Drake had one singles boat and two pairs boats compete in official races in the Head of the Des Moines. The Bulldogs will have three varsity 8+ boats compete in an exhibition at 10:25 a.m.