Head of the Welland – Five Bridges Fall Classic
September 26
John Ruscitti has built an impressive coaching career spanning both the high school and national levels. From 1999 to 2014, he held several coaching positions with Rowing Canada Aviron, including serving as Junior National Team Coach and Coordinator from 2002 to 2007, during which Canadian crews earned eight World Championship medals.
Since 1994, John has also served as Head Coach of the E.L. Crossley Rowing Team, one of Canada’s largest high school rowing programs. Under his leadership, the program has earned numerous gold medals at both the CSSRA Championships and the prestigious Stotesbury Cup Regatta.
Coach Keithan Woodhouse is an accomplished rower, scholar, and mentor whose rowing journey began at EL Crossley, where he discovered a passion for the sport that would shape his athletic and coaching career.
Keithan competes for Brock University, helping the program earn five consecutive OUA championships while collecting nine OUA medals and four straight silver finishes at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. Keithan is a multiple Royal Canadian Henley champion He has represented Canada at the 2024 U23 World Championships, 2025 FISU Games and won gold at the 2026 FISU Games.
A five-time Dean’s List honouree and scholarship recipient, Keithan brings the same dedication to coaching. Over the past five years, he has helped develop athletes at EL Crossley and beyond, guiding rowers to national podium finishes and junior national team selection.