Marc DeRose
The head coach hired in August has resigned from the Oak Ridge Rowing Association.
Coach Marc DeRose, who was also rowing director, has concluded that this was “not the right fit for me and my family,” a Friday afternoon press release said.
The release said a team of veteran ORRA leaders has moved into new roles within the organization. The new team management approach started after the resignation of DeRose, who replaced longtime head coach Allen Eubanks late last summer.
“We wish Marc and his family all the luck in the world,” ORRA President Terry Holley said. “We’re fortunate to have so many outstanding individuals ready to step in and make sure we don’t skip a beat. We may be nearing the end of the season, but we have no doubt we will finish strong.”
In the meantime, the work is being divided into four distinct areas, each with a key person in charge, the release said, “someone everyone involved with ORRA knows and respects. The four areas and those in charge are:
- Coaching coordinator: Interim Manager Evelyn Radford
- Facilities and equipment: Interim Manager Ryan Worth
- Communications/marketing/travel: Interim Manager Melissa Toms
- Coaching:
- Worth—Junior Girls and Masters
- Radford—Junior Boys and Masters
- John Vitek—Junior Novice
- Toms—Masters
“We are all deeply grateful to Evelyn, Ryan, Melissa, and John for their willingness to step in, give more time and keep our momentum going,” Holley said. “We know that with the many regattas we hold, the Association is important to our tourism industry, and we are making sure those events will still run flawlessly.”
DeRose came to Oak Ridge from the University of Central Florida, where he had served as assistant coach of women’s rowing.
The release said the board plans to work with the new management team during the next few months, assess the ongoing growth of the club, and determine if there is a need for additional staff in the future.
“We have always been fortunate to have incredible volunteers and we will continue to rely on their talents, commitment, and participation,” Holley said.
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