Shocker Rowing showed its appreciation to Donovan Auto and Truck Center for their generous support of $17,000 for improvements made to five racing shells at a dedication ceremony Monday, May 19, at Donovan’s main dealership at 5800 W. Kellogg. 

“These shells look incredible, and our athletes are excited about getting back into them,” said Calvin Cupp, head crew coach. “Not only did the shells get new paint, we also did new names, striping, minor repairs, went through all hardware and replaced as needed. This equipment is in the best condition it has been since they were purchased.”

Shell repair centers charge $2,000-$3,000 to prep and paint a shell, depending on the size and work needed. While painting the shells, the repair center worked in a new set of sweep oars and painted the blades for all 10.

In addition, the repair center did hail and dent repair on boat trucks, worth $2,000-$3,000.

“All the shells are important pieces of our fleet,” said Cupp.

One shell was raced by novice women last fall. Before the work, they won gold at the Wichita Frostbite Regatta.

A second shell is used and raced by novice men. Another shell will get heavy use when put back into the rotation by both novice and varsity. A fourth shell will get heavy use by both novice and varsity. And the fifth shell is being raced at nationals next week.