Wall of Excellence
We are excited to announce that this year Peter Cookson and Julia Morrow will be inducted into the Western Rowing Wall of Excellence.
Julia Morrow (BA ’84, BEd ’85)
Julia was a central piece of the undefeated Mustangs crews of the 1981 and 1982 seasons coached by Jerry Patchell-Evens. This group won several high-profile championships including Dad Vails and Head of the Charles after starting in 41st position.​ After training with the Canadian high-performance team Julia transitioned her focus locally. Julia Morrow is recognized for her remarkable and enduring dedication to rowing in London. Her commitment to the sport has extended well beyond her time on the Western rowing team, shaping the growth and accessibility of rowing at both the community and provincial levels. As head coach of the rowing program at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School, she has introduced countless young athletes to the sport, fostering an environment where young athletes can grow, develop strong skills, and build a lasting connection to the sport. Through her guidance, she has created a pathway for emerging rowers and has played a pivotal role in developing the next generation of athletes in London and across Canada.
Peter Cookson (BA ’80, BESc ’87)
Few individuals have contributed to Canadian rowing as broadly or as significantly as Peter Cookson. With more than 40 years of involvement in the sport, Cookson’s career spans athlete, coach, administrator, and international leader. A three-time World Championships team member, he later advanced the global sport through his work on the International Rowing Federation’s Competitive Commission and as President of the Commonwealth Rowing Association. In Canada, his impact is substantial: as Rowing Canada Aviron’s High Performance Director from 2009–2016, he helped guide national-team performance and served as team leader at two Olympic Games and two Pan American Games. Cookson has also coached at UBC, Western, the University of Toronto, and internationally at the highest levels. His commitment to excellence extends into coach education, where he has produced widely used technical modules that continue to elevate coaching practice across the country.