Our History
Parkersburg High School has the earliest crew team in West Virginia still in existence today. It is one of only two high schools in the state with a crew team. The other one is also from Parkersburg (Parkersburg South High School) which is why you'll often see Red and White cheering for Blue and White and vice versa.
The PHS rowing team was started in 1964 after Dr. Brundage came here from the Philadelphia area and established a small rowing club in 1962. From that point, one boat and a handful of men, the team has grown to a continually updated fleet of boats and a very populated and excited crew of both men and women.
In 1998 the Men's Mid-weight 4+ became the first boat from West Virginia to win a Gold Medal at Nationals. Since then, we have won several more medals at Nationals.
In 1997, Freshmen became eligible to row as long as the sport was not offered at their Jr. High School. The 2001 Men's Freshman 8+ won silver at Mid-west and became the first PHS Freshman boat to go to Nationals.
Over the past five years, the boosters (with the help of foundations, corporations and individual donations) have invested greatly in this program with the purchase of 8 new shells, a new trailer and a continually updated facility. They have also added 4 assistant coaches and a freshman team in their commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the sport of rowing.
It is truly a great time to be involved with the Red & White Rowing Team.