Orlando Rowing Association (ORA) is a 501c3 non-profit corporation registered in the State of Florida to provide financial and logistical support to the Edgewater Crew rowing team. ORA is made up of parents of current team members and is administered by a Board of Directors elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting near the end of the school year. ORA’s bylaws are posted here.
ORA Coaching Staff
Michelle Bettger – Edgewater Crew Coach
Michelle joins our coaching staff this year with a rich history in rowing and coaching. She went the full 4 year distance in rowing at Boone High and UCF, followed by 4 year coaching terms at Lake Brantley and then OARS, with plenty of medals and championships at the State level and a National Champion Junior 4 boat in 2001. She has taken a 16 year break from coaching to spend time with her family and is excited to get back on the water this year.
Bill Palmer ’86 – Edgewater Crew Coach
Bill is long-time Eagle who has won at all levels of rowing. He rowed in 3 State Champion boats and was Captain his senior year. At Clemson University he started the club rowing team that still competes today, and returning home he has coached the Eagles on multiple occasions while raising a family and running a business. He has also been a devoted Masters rower for 10+ years and was part of a Nationals champion boat in 2013.
Steve de Zwart ’77 – Edgewater Masters Coach
Steve has returned to Edgewater after a 20+ year hiatus to coach our Masters program. His first stop with us was as a High School Junior in 1975 and by 2001 he had rowed or coached EHS in 4 team State Championships and 6 Varsity 8 state titles. His coaching resume includes experience coaching high schools here in Florida and Connecticut, colleges, at the National Team level and adult rowing programs. A career educator at all levels, he thrives on teaching rowing to people of all experience and skill levels. He also continues to row both competitively and recreationally.
2023-24 ORA Board of Directors
ORA Committees
While the Board hires personnel, draws up the budget and set policies, ORA Committees carry out the many tasks and support functions necessary to operate the team through the season. Click on a link below to email that Committee’s chairman.
Coordinators
Click on a link below to email the point of contact for these specific projects/activities.