SLRC NEWSLETTER

New Board Members

We’re pleased to annouce new board member assignments:

Carolyn Buselmeier – Treasurer
JD Miller – Communications
Isabelle Kopec- Vice President
Brooke Palanca – Junior Boys Coordinator
Amanda Luke – Junior Girls Coordinator
Meranda Breece – Safety
Karthik Raghavan- President

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ahsan Iqbal, a foundational figure in the history of the St. Louis Rowing Club and a beloved member of our community.

Ahsan’s influence on rowing in St. Louis cannot be overstated. He was the first head coach of the Washington University Rowing Team and played a pivotal role in growing the St. Louis Rowing Club through the 1990s and early 2000s. Alongside his wife Linda, Ahsan led nearly every program at SLRC during that time—often volunteering every hour he spent on the water, on the road to regattas, and during race weekends. Together, they built the foundation of our Junior Program, devoting their time, energy, and personal resources while raising their own family and working full-time jobs.

Despite limited resources, Ahsan’s crews were nationally competitive, racing at regattas like the Head of the Charles and Canadian Henley. He helped launch countless athletes to successful collegiate rowing careers at top Division I programs and national teams. But Ahsan’s greatest legacy lives in the lives he touched beyond the boat. He was a mentor, a role model, and, for many, a second father. His former rowers speak not only of medals and races, but of weddings attended, lives shaped, and lifelong bonds forged.

Every rower who passed through SLRC in the ‘90s and early 2000s, adult or junior, was likely coached by Ahsan at some point. His reach extended far beyond the water. If there were a Mount Rushmore of SLRC, Ahsan Iqbal would be etched in stone at the top.

A sailing accident took Ahsan from us too soon, but his legacy will continue to ripple across our club for generations to come. We are exploring ways to honor him appropriately. Many of his former rowers have already expressed a desire to remember him in a significant way.

We extend our deepest condolences to Linda and the Iqbal family, and we will share details about upcoming memorials and opportunities to honor Ahsan’s legacy in the weeks to come. If you would like to contribute memories, photos, or stories, or help support a memorial effort, please reach out.

Ahsan Iqbal was a coach, a builder, a mentor, and a friend. We will miss him deeply.

Don’t forget to check the calendar for upcoming events. We’ll keep this up-to-date with all things SLRC, and remember, you can use the subscribe button on the calendar page to sync the SLRC calendar to your favorite app!

What do you love about rowing?

I love so much about rowing – it’s a great way to keep in shape and I always love being on the water. But one of the best things about rowing is gaining a new family in Crew ‘24. The bonds we formed in learning a sport together and training for regattas have carried over off the water and into daily life. It’s created a deep sense of belonging. The crew shows up for each other, push through challenges together, and celebrate every victory as a unit.

How did you get into rowing?

I always saw the boats out on the lake when I’d go to the lake to run and really wanted to join. A quick google search found me the link to apply for the learn to row class and the rest is history.

What has been your favorite rowing experience/memory?

Racing at the Hooch in the women’s novice 8 boat (average age was over 40 yo) and getting 3rd against all collegiate teams!!

What is your favorite regatta and why?

I’ve only raced at Chicago Sprints and the Hooch and both were amazing! I’m excited to return to both this year.

What do you like to do when you’re not rowing?

Anything outdoors and with my kids. I love taking my kids on little hiking adventures and kayaking.