Veld commits to Jacksonville University
Campbell Veld’s introduction to rowing was anything but auspicious.
The Fonthill resident decided to give the sport a try in Grade 9 at E.L. Crossley, a school known for its outstanding rowing program.
But Veld was a novice on the water and at 5-foot-3 and 115 pounds, he seemed destined for the coxie seat.
“I wasn’t the biggest,” Veld said. “That season was kind of rough. I wasn’t the greatest on the team but I kept going and got a bit of a size on me and started making the top boats in our program.”
Less than two years later, Veld had sprouted up significantly and was now a key player for Crossley.
“In the summer of Grade 10 and start of Grade 11, I got bigger,” said Veld, who now stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 170 pounds.
The added size and muscle gave Veld the impetus to continue to work at the sport and in Grade 11 he was part of Crossley’s men’s eight and lightweight double crews which earned gold medals at the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Regatta.
He then began trying out for seats on national team boats.
“I tried out in the pair just to get a feel for it. I didn’t end up making the team because we were young so we expected it,” he said. “We trained and worked with (Crossley coach) John (Ruscitti) because he knew this was our passion. We wanted to make this team.”
Veld gave it another shot this year and was selected as part of a crew that participated in the CanAmMex Regatta in Florida earlier this month.
“We were selected and very excited,” said Veld, who was joined by fellow St. Catharines Rowing Club members Lucas Celia, Owen Darling, Ryan Holland and David Law. “It was a quick turnaround. We were selected and then five days later had to leave for Florida and meet our team.”
Veld said the experience was an eye-opener.
“I got to learn a lot and it was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was a pretty cool experience. The Americans are always good and have a good history in rowing. Our main goal was to beat the Americans. We didn’t end up beating them but we had a good race and got to see what work is ahead.”
Veld’s rowing season is far from over.
He’s currently training with the U-19 crew for Henley and then it’s off to Jacksonville University where he’s garnered a partial scholarship for rowing.
“I’m really excited,” Veld said. “It’s a new start. I get to be away from home and be independent. I think I’ll learn new things and become an adult and be part of a team that is really relying on each other so I’m really excited in that way.
“I’m also a little bit nervous because it’s a new change and it’s far away from home.”
Veld said he had interest from several other schools in the States and Canada. He finally narrowed his choice down to Jacksonville and Temple.
He didn’t get a chance to visit the school in person, but a Face Time tour was more than enough to seal the deal.
“I got a pretty good scholarship (full academic, partial athletic) there and I’m going into biology and they have a good biology program at that school,” Veld said. “I got to meet the guys on the team and I really liked the atmosphere. They have really good equipment and their facilities are up to date and they had pretty good results.
“The coaches were a lot more interested in me. It really felt like they wanted me there and were taking a bit part in that role. I really think they wanted me there more. It felt like more of a team aspect.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
