High Performance

Penn AC High Performance Group strives to train and develop elite level men and women by providing them with opportunities to compete at the highest level in the sport of rowing. Penn AC has a long history of producing national team rowers and scullers that have competed at the World Rowing Championships and Olympic Games. Penn AC will continue to maintain this tradition of success.

Penn AC is a member of the Schuylkill Navy which is located on historical Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, PA. The High Performance Team trains along the Schuylkill River, which has been the breeding ground for much of America’s past Olympic Rowing success. Penn AC athletes train year–round and travel to compete at US Rowing Regattas, Senior National Team Trials, and National Selection Regattas and Camps. Philadelphia provides these athletes with excellent opportunities to pursue full or part–time careers or attend graduate school programs at many of the local colleges or universities.

Success of the Penn AC High Performance Group stems from the endless dedication to practicing, training, and racing each day with teammates who are all working towards one goal: competing for the US National Team. Penn AC will provide you with a team atmosphere and level of competition that you will not find anywhere else. We are one team, one club.

As a condition for consideration for the HPG team, all athletes must compelete the HPG Code of Conduct Contract/Agreement.


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Coach Tom Wedgwood

Tom is an accomplished rowing coach with more than two decades of experience guiding junior and senior athletes in Switzerland and the UK. His teams achieved success at Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, the British and Swiss national championships, and the UK National Schools Regatta. Throughout his career, Tom developed athletes who competed at the highest levels – junior and U23 world championships. He emphasizes technical excellence, teamwork, and fostering a competitive mindset.

Tom coached at the Henley Rowing Club, Trentham Rowing Club, and Moorestown Rowing Club which delivered consistent victories and long-term success.

Born in Zimbabwe, Tom emigrated to the US where he rowed at St. Joseph’s Prep and Rutgers University. He began sculling at Penn AC at 14 years of age, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for rowing.

Beyond the sport, Tom held leadership roles in the Waterford Wedgwood Group, in Asia-Pacific. He enjoys free diving, climbing, and cycling in his spare time.