ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – Former Olympian and Brock University Lightweight women's rowing assistant coach Ron "Swede" Burak has been named the new head coach at the South Niagara Rowing Club.

"We are thrilled to have such an experienced and enthusiastic individual as our new head coach," said South Niagara Rowing Club President Helen Taylor. "Having someone of Swede's calibre will help to build our programs and give more opportunities to young rowers in Niagara. We look forward to a great rowing season in 2013."

"I would like to thank the Trillium Foundation for making this position possible through a coaching grant. We hope to see everyone down at the course May 18-19 at the High School Invitational Regatta."

Burak's rowing background dates back to 1976 Olympics and he has been instrumental in building women's rowing in Niagara for the past 12 years as a coach at different levels including Denis Morris High School, St. Catharines Rowing Club and Brock University.

"Brock University would like to congratulate Swede on his new position with the South Niagara Rowing Club," said Brock Director of Athletics Robert Hilson. "He has made a tremendous contribution to the Brock rowing program and we look forward to working with him to continue to build rowing in the greater Niagara community."

This summer Swede coached the flyweight women's four and senior women's light pair to gold at Royal Canadian Henley, as well as having four other second place finishes. At the Ontario Championships he coached the winning women's under 23 eight.

This past fall he also coached the Brock lightweight women's team to an overall third place finish at the Ontario University Championships.

"I look forward to continuing to work together with the South Niagara Rowing Club," said Brock Rowing Head Coach Peter Somerwil. We would like to thank Swede for his dedication and success with the Brock women's program. We are going to lose a great individual whose capacity for hard work is hard to match. South Niagara is fortunate to have him as their new head coach."

Burak was recently named the 2012 Rowing Canada Male Coach of the Year.

Contact:

Ron "Swede" Burak, South Niagara Rowing Club Head Coach - 905-931-1380

Helen Taylor, South Niagara Rowing Club President  - 905-382-2562 (evenings)