JL Joins Team Ursula Grobler!

You still don't know Ursula?  Well, this weekend she added a lightweight 2k erg world record to a list of accomplishments that includes (among many others) winning the Open 1x at the '08 U.S. Nationals, winning the Open 1x at Head of the Charles this fall, and a second place finish at this summer's World Cup I in Banyoles Spain in the Lightweight 2x.

        It's been fun to get to know Ursula over the past couple of weeks as we discussed her JL sponsorship.  She's passionate about her training and clearly loves what she's doing.  Yesterday, Ken, Joline, Ursula, and I got together at a cafe down the street from Race in JL.  We had a nice long chat about rowing, JL, and all the awesome gear we can design together.

       As our customers know we're all about meeting your specific needs.  We approach our sponsorships the same way; we will act as a teammate and help Ursula any way we can.  Nobody made specific demands or signed any official contracts- that's not our style.  Ursula will get to design her own JL uniform package that will include racing uniforms, practice clothes, outerwear, and travel gear.  We discussed other opportunities including using our connections to help her find support when traveling to events, working with her to create her own signature line of JL apparel, and participation in the Race in JL speaker series.  Ursula agreed to provide feedback and assist us in our constant efforts to improve JL products.  She will also help spread the JL love by giving away her gear to young rowers, fans, supporters, whoever (with the understanding that we will, of course, replace it).  Ursula seemed excited to be "JL generous."  She fondly recounted how happy she was to get hand-me-downs from a rower she admired.  "She was just cleaning out her closet, but it meant so much to me!"