Thomas Patterson has been named the 2015 recipient of White Rock Rowing’s Mullen Scholarships for his commitment, success and leadership as a junior athlete. Patterson is the fifth recipient of the annual scholarship program initiated in 2013 in honor of John and Anne Mullen. 

Patterson, who heads to University of Delaware in the fall as a mechanical engineering major and member of the school’s successful rowing team, is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He rowed with White Rock Rowing throughout high school, and has won numerous medals with the team. He’s an excellent oarsman, a leader and role model for all his teammates, inspiring them with his commitment to year round training and success on the water.

During the past four years, Tommy has medaled (gold) in the Men’s Varsity 8+ at Texas Rowing Championships. Between 2012-2015 Tommy won bronze in the Men’s 8+ and 4+ at Central Youth Regional Championships (CYRC), bronze in the Men’s Youth 2X at CYRC, gold in the Men’s 1X at the OKC Invitational Regatta, and made the finals this year in the Men’s 1x at CYRC, to highlight a few.

As recipients of the Anne and John Mullen scholarships, Patterson received $1,000 toward his college education.  John Mullen, considered a founding father of Dallas rowing, began organizing collegiate regattas on White Rock Lake in the 1980s and had the vision to bring club and regular rowing back to its waters.  He was instrumental in developing both White Rock Boathouse, Inc., and the Dallas Rowing Club on Bachman Lake.  Through rowing, he has provided Dallas youth the opportunity to experience teamwork, commitment, responsibility, competition and the pursuit of excellence - qualities recognized by the Mullen Scholarships.

About White Rock Rowing

White Rock Rowing is dedicated to the development of putting oars and opportunities in the hands of youth and adaptive rowers by providing coaching, financial aid, and college scholarships to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to row. We offer a variety of rowing opportunities for middle school, high school, masters, adaptive and fitness for rowers and non-rowers alike. We have the first adaptive rowing program in North Texas, and offer the only certified medical and technical classifiers for the assessment and assignment of competition class for adaptive rowers.

Rowing camps for Middle and High School students are open for registration, check our website at whiterockrowing.org.

White Rock Rowing Pair Win National Championship

DALLAS, TX, JUNE 30, 2014 – Collin McKinney and Robert Bolt of White Rock Rowing brought home the club’s first National title, winning the Men’s Varsity Pair race at the USRowing Youth National Championship, held June 13-15 in Sacramento, California.

McKinney, a senior at Hillcrest High School and Bolt, a senior from Woodrow Wilson High School, pulled slightly ahead of the competition and held the lead for nearly 1500 meters. With 250 meters to go, the duo sprinted to the finish, capturing the National title and becoming the fastest youth pair in the country.

 “Collin and Robert have been the heart and soul of the men’s squad,” said Alex Binkowski, director of White Rock Rowing. “They have led the team in everything - rowing, erg scores, attendance, attitude, and work ethic. The pair is one of the more difficult boats to race, requiring great skill and cooperation. They have definitely earned their title.”

Youth Nationals saw more than 1800 athletes, representing 133 clubs and high school rowing programs from 106 cities, racing at the highest level of competition for high school rowing over a three-day period. The White Rock Rowing juniors team has qualified for Nationals four of the last five years, with this year’s championship capping off their most successful season to date.

About White Rock Rowing

Along with the Big Boathouse, one of the country’s largest, a 1930s-era boat slip, and The Filter Building event venue, White Rock Rowing is a dynamic rowing community that began in 2003 with the $3,000,000 redevelopment of abandoned city waterworks facilities.  Proceeds from rentals of The Filter Building help fund rowing operations and outreach efforts that include an adaptive rowing program for people with physical limitations, as well as middle school, juniors, and masters rowing programs. White Rock Rowing offers financial aid that makes it possible for every child interested in rowing to participate. To find out more, visit the website at whiterockrowing.org.