Our History
The CHARGERS Rowing Club was formed as a community not for profit organization in 1972 by former Syracuse University Men’s Rowing coach and Onondaga County Legislator Bill Sanford. Coach Sanford’s vision was to bring the Olympic and lifetime sport of rowing to the people of the greater Syracuse community, utilizing existing resources and expertise.
Since its inception, the CHARGERS have focused on contributing to the Central New York community through cooperation and synergy with other CNY institutions including: Syracuse University, Onondaga County and the County parks system, City of Syracuse Area High Schools. With its dedicated volunteers and history of responsible fiscal management, the CHARGERS have provided valuable resources to the Central New York community-without the financial support of governmental entities or other third parties. The CHARGERS continue a long and proud CNY tradition of the sport of rowing on Onondaga Lake, which began in 1879.
Since its inception, the CHARGERS have focused on contributing to the Central New York community through cooperation and synergy with other CNY institutions including: Syracuse University, Onondaga County and the County parks system, City of Syracuse Area High Schools. With its dedicated volunteers and history of responsible fiscal management, the CHARGERS have provided valuable resources to the Central New York community-without the financial support of governmental entities or other third parties. The CHARGERS continue a long and proud CNY tradition of the sport of rowing on Onondaga Lake, which began in 1879.
