Dragon Rowing Camp
Dragon Rowing Camp
Coaches
Coaches
Experienced. Thoughtful. Fun.
The coaches at Dragon Rowing Camps bring a wealth of experience, with medals from international regattas and success at the college, high school, and novice levels. Their expertise ensures top-tier instruction for athletes of all backgrounds. More than just skilled rowers, they foster a safe and supportive environment where athletes can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Matt Weaver- Camp Director
Matt Weaver is in his second year as the men's rowing head coach at Drexel University, having joined in September 2023. In his first year, he led the Dragons to their third consecutive Dad Vail Varsity 8+ Championship, a Men’s Team Championship, and their best-ever 15th place finish at the IRA National Championship. Previously, he was an assistant coach at the University of Washington, where he helped secure a 2021 IRA National Championship sweep, and at Temple University, where he contributed to a historic Varsity 8+ bronze medal. Internationally, he was the Senior Lightweight national team coach for the USA in 2024, leading the Lightweight 4x to a World Championship silver medal and an American record. Weaver has also coached for Canada’s U23 national team, La Salle, Winchester College, and Crescent Boat Club.
Gary Wielgus
Drexel named Gary Wielgus as an assistant coach for the men's rowing team in August 2024. He previously coached at the University of Pennsylvania, where he helped the lightweight 4+ win silver at the IRA National Championship and earned an IRCA Lightweight Coaching Staff of the Year nomination. Wielgus is also an assistant coach for the USRowing men’s lightweight quadruple scull at the Senior World Championships. Before Penn, he coached at Moorestown Rowing Club and spent three seasons with Temple, where he rowed in the varsity heavyweight 8+ that won bronze at the 2016 Dad Vail.
David Florio
David is currently an assistant coach for the Drexel University Men's Rowing team. David brings a strong knowledge to the camp in both rowing and coxing. David was a 4 year member of the Drexel University Men's Rowing team and has represented the USA at World Championships in the Men's Coxed Pair.
Edward Villanueva
Edward is the current Head Coach of Friends Select School in Philadelphia, PA. He brings a wealth of experience to the camp having coached a several high schools and junior programs in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area. Edward was a member of the Temple Rowing team where he graduated in 2016.
Karsen Healy
Karsen Healy is the women’s rowing assistant coach at Drexel University, bringing strength and conditioning experience. She previously worked at Urban Athlete coached junior rowers at Conshohocken Rowing. Healy also interned at Boston University and was a member of its lightweight rowing team, finishing fourth in the IRA Championship.