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