AJRA had 20 rowers competing in three events at the 2014 USRowing Youth National Championship, held for the first time on the West Coast in Sacramento, CA. Over 130 junior clubs were in attendance at the regatta, bringing the event to high levels of competition and fast racing against rowers from across the country.
This year’s regatta was another great step in national competition for AJRA, with all boats advancing to Sunday’s finals for only the second time in club history. The Men’s Pair posted strong performances all weekend, capping off their spring season by finishing 2nd in the petite final, earning 8th place overall. This is the highest-placing finish for any AJRA men’s entry at Youth Nationals since the regatta expanded to its current format.
The Men’s and Women’s 8+’s both qualified for Sunday’s C-level final through their racing in the heats and reps early in the weekend, which meant each boat was racing for 13th – 20th. The Women’s 8+ placed 17th overall with their 5th-place finish in the C final, and the Men’s 8+ placed 20th overall with their 8th-place finish.
AJRA sent a young squad to Youth Nationals this year, with only 7 seniors out of the 20 rowers competing in Sacramento. The returning rowers will look to bring this racing experience back to Roswell and lead their teams next year to compete at a high level all year long.
For full regatta results, check out USRowing’s website.