This past weekend our middle and high school students competed at the Strong Island Sprints, an indoor rowing competition in Long Island. It was a truly impressive sight, with over 145 Row New York student-athletes representing the Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn programs. We saw a lot of nerves, challenges, successes, and learning moments. Thanks to the experience, we’re one race smarter to a fast and productive spring season.
Queens Highlights
Queens brought 80 participants, including thirty middle school participants. Yaslin Perez of the middle school team brought home a bronze medal for her piece! Our Novice squad saw a lot of speed and gained perspective in their first rowing competition. Shout outs to Magally Razo who placed 4th, Sam Arias who placed 5th, and Thea Anderson who placed 6th out of 37 in the Women’s Novice Category.
“Over the past month, I have struggled with mentally motivating myself during workouts at practice. During my race at Strong Island Sprints, I finally got out of my head and told myself “Yes”! Regardless of how long it takes you to PR, every workout matters and is what will take you there.” – Aleeyah Marrero, Queens varsity member
Brooklyn Highlights
Brooklyn attended it’s first ever race this weekend, bringing two athletes. Both Barry Wheeler and Keontae Trotman pulled personal bests over 2000 meters with Keontae improving by 9 seconds over his previous best. Barry rowed an aggressive race, leading his heat through 1000 meters though he ultimately finished 5th. Both young men left proud of their accomplishments.
Manhattan Highlights
The Manhattan team brought 65 athletes, including their middle school team who prepared for weeks with themes like teamwork, hard work, perseverance, and support. Middle Schooler Kevin Salmon came in with a 3rd place finish in the Boy’s Bantam (8th grade) event.
Novice rower Luca Pusic who came in 2nd in the Novice category with a 7:05 final time. A new novice record for Row New York! Sean Bodden came in 4th in the Men’s cox category and Bryan Guzman came in 7th. Sam Rojas with a 4th place overall finish in the Men’s HS Lightweight event with a time of 6:58. With lots of PR’s on the varsity team, our athletes are looking forward to seeing how their progress translates onto the water come spring season.
This weekend’s competition was particularly exciting for our novices as this was their first rowing competition! Everyone left with a smile on their face with lots of PR’s to celebrate!
