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HS Rowing Club Excels After Devastating Fire Destroys Boats

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A season appeared to go up in smoke the night of Dec. 27.

Flames destroyed not only the Groveton Boat Club in Robinson Township, but dozens of boats and equipment owned by three rowing clubs - including Pine-Richland High School.

"We had 14-15 boats, I think," says rowing coach Sam DiMarzio. "You can still see pieces of fiberglass. I got a lot of phone calls from panicked kids that night, asking, 'Is the team done? Are we not going to have a season now? What do I do?'"

The Pine-Richland team responded by working harder than ever. Three crews will compete this weekend in the National Championships in New Jersey. Insurance didn't cover the entire $150,000 loss, but the community rallied to replace every boat.

"People who weren't even involved in rowing, but my grandson's on the team, and I want to see you guys get back on the water." Coach DiMarzio remembers many of the comments. "So here's ten bucks, here's fifteen bucks, and that added back up."

Out of devastation, came triumph.

"It was really hard at first," says men's captain Beela Loskoch. "It was really heartbreaking to hear what happened. But with all the donations and the help from the community, we got along just fine."

They did better than "just fine," 2015 was their best season ever.

"With all the help of everyone, and help of our coaches to find us boats quickly enough," co-captain Madison Scullion agrees. "We were abole to get out team together and win."

It's a story of determination.

"With all the help of everyone, and help of our coaches to find us boats quickly enough, we were abole to get out team together and win," co-captain Madison Scullion agrees.

For the Pine-Richalnd rowing team, "rising from the ashes" is not just an expression.

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