Nine rowers qualify for nationals
May 18, 2016
Nine rowers from Space Coast Crew qualified to compete in the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J. on June 10-12. Rowers recently competed in the Youth Southeast Regional Championship. The top three fastest boats in each event are eligible for the national regatta. The Men’s Quad and the Women’s Lightweight 4 placed third in their events.
Freshmen, Emily Eastwood, is part of the women’s boat that is moving on to nationals.
“Once we crossed the finish line I thought I was dead,” Eastwood said. “I couldn’t believe that we were actually going to New Jersey. Up until then it was a dream to go to nationals.”
Junior Jack Baney is part of the men’s boat that will compete in the national championship.
“Before my race I was very nervous,” the fourth-year rower said. “I was prepared for the worst and I was even more mentally prepared not to go to nationals. I never knew how much I wanted it until the race actually started. Once we crossed the finish line it felt like a million pounds were taken off of my shoulders. It was the most painful and joyful moment I have ever felt in my entire life.”
By Summer Rhodes