AJRA qualified three boats to compete June 10-12 against the nation’s elite high school and junior club teams at the 2011 US Rowing Youth National Championships. A talented field of more than 1,500 rowers representing 148 teams and 23 states were on hand for the event, held at Oak Ridge, TN for the first time.
Our Varsity Wo men’s 8+ qualified for the most competitive women’s event at Nationals but, after tough races in heats and reps (the first two rounds) failed to advance. Their overall finish places them among the top 24 Women’s V8s in the country. AJRA’s Varsit y Women’s pair (Meghan Paulo and Leslie Anne Mall) and Varsity Men’s Lightweight 4+ (coxswain Mitchell Miller and rowers Matt Cecil, Zach Lawhon, Kevin O’Donnell, and Connor Smith) both advanced to semi-finals — marking the first time in AJRA’s history that two boats have earned a spot in semi-final races. Both events saw some of the fastest times ever posted in those races. The pair found speed and confidence throughout the weekend and were able to finish 5th in their semi and progress to the B (Petite) Final, where their fifth place finish makes them the 11th fastest Varsity Women’s pair in the nation. “With Meghan and Leslie Anne both returning,” said Coach Bryce Carlson, “they will be bringing back speed and experience gained at Nationals to AJRA next season.”
With a series of tough, gutsy races with barn burner finishes, the Men’s Lightweight 4 earned 4th place in their semi and also progressed to the B (Petite) Final. While their fifth place finish makes them the 11th fastest Men’s Lightweight 4 in the nation, coaches said the men were disappointed after having their sights set on making the top 6.
AJRA Head Coach John Pearson and Coach Bryce said the club made tremendous progress at Nationals this year but fell short of team goals. “AJRA has consistently qualified boats in the more competitive events that pit us against the greatest number of elite clubs and athletes in the country,” Bryce said. ” We hope this year’s Nationals boats inspire AJRA rowers to continue setting their sites high and putting in the training necessary to get to Grand Finals and medal.”
Congratulations to all of our Nationals rowers for representing our club extremely well!